Barca claim a huge win over Real Sociedad, courtesy of Aubameyang's header

José Manuel Moya 3 years ago 6.9k |

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Barca held on in the second half to take second place again. AFP

The Blaugrana were made to suffer in the second half, clinging onto their narrow lead despite losing multiple players to injury, with Sorloth missing the hosts' two best chances to equalise. It's a fifth consecutive away league win for Xavi's team.

Its hard to overstate the importance of that result for Barcelona, who move back into second place in LaLiga, six points clear of fifth-placed Real Betis, and eight clear of Sociedad.

Victory leaves two points ahead of Atletico Madrid in fourth. Atletico were held to a goalless draw by Granada on Wednesday. Sevilla sit third after they held on for a 3-2 win away at Levante, Tecatito scoring twice in Valencia.

Real Sociedad might have had an outside chance of joining the race for the top four if they had beaten Barcelona but defeat surely leaves them looking to secure a spot in the Europa League. They are six points behind Atletico in fourth.

A defeat would have been a huge blow for Xavi's hopes of leading the Catalan giants to Champions League qualification, but the likes of Ter Stegen, Pique, Busquets, and De Jong produced heroic performances to lead them to a much-needed victory.

Barcelona could have had some early joy against Real Sociedad. The blaugranas took the lead after just ten minutes following a good start from Xavi Hernandez's side.

Aubameyang jumped higher than his pair and with a fine header beat Remiro about a metre from the goal line. The Gabonese has scored his 9th goal in LaLiga, a staggering number since his arrival in the winter transfer window.

April 21, 2022

The second half was all about suffering for the Catalans. Up to three players were injured and others limped off. Araujo, Pique and Alba were all out with injuries and Gavi asked to come off.

The second half started with two great chances for the home side. Sorloth could have equalised at the start of the second half. However, there were no more goals and Barca held off Real's pressure.

Real Sociedad might easily have grabbed an equaliser but kept running into the Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who enjoyed an inspired night in the Barcelona goal.

Alexander Isak went close while Alexander Sorloth missed La Real's best chances, firing wide at the back post from Zaldua’s cross and then taking too long after being picked out in the area by Adnan Januzaj.

Sorloth had another sight of goal late on, but his finish from the angle was brilliantly stopped by Ter Stegen, this time his left foot allowing Barca to hold on for an important victory.

The game went to the 100th minute, as the referee was forced to add 10 minutes after so many stoppages.

Sergio Busquets moved up to third on Barcelona’s all-time appearances list after he was named in the starting line-up for Thursday’s La Liga clash at Real Sociedad.

The 33-year-old moved above Andres Iniesta after making his 675th appearance for the Blaugrana at Anoeta Stadium.