Barcelona bemoans 'big mistake' in Real Sociedad defeat

BARCELONA — La Liga leader Barcelona fell to a 1-0 defeat at Real Sociedad on Sunday after a Robert Lewandowski goal was controversially disallowed, which coach Hansi Flick labeled a "big mistake".

Earlier Julian Alvarez earned Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win at Mallorca to take the Rojiblancos up to third place.

Sheraldo Becker's 33rd-minute goal consigned Barcelona to its second league defeat of the season, leaving the Catalan giant six points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, having played an extra match.

Lewandowski's early disallowed strike led to furious debate over whether the Polish forward had been offside or not.

"It was the wrong decision, clearly, it's clear, but we have to accept it," Flick told the club's streaming platform Barca One.

"The referee, it was not his fault, we are humans, we make mistakes and today was a big mistake."

Barcelona was without teenage star Lamine Yamal after he suffered a blow to his ankle in the Champions League win at Red Star Belgrade midweek, and the side badly missed his spark.

The Catalans failed to score in a match for the first time this season across all competitions, as eighth-placed Real Sociedad held firm, as Barcelona could not manage a single shot on target.

"The responsibility for this defeat is on us, we are responsible, we can play much better," admitted Flick.

"It's a tough place to go, where La Real push a lot. We have to learn from our mistakes and that's it," Barcelona midfielder Pedri told Movistar.

"Normally, we score goals, but today we weren't accurate. I think it will be a one-off, and, in the following games, we'll be more precise.

"I think the team is working well, and (not scoring) is not something that worries me."

Playmaker Dani Olmo started on the bench, while defender Pau Cubarsi played in a mask after suffering a cut on his face in Serbia that required stitches.

The Catalans have struggled in San Sebastian in the past and were given another uncomfortable night in the Basque Country.

Lewandowski thought he had fired Barcelona in front after 13 minutes when he reacted well to a blocked shot to fire home, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review.

Referee Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez was told that Lewandowski was offside, although the forward did not appear to be in front of Real Sociedad defender Nayef Aguerd.

The semi-automated offside technology used in La Liga indicated the front of Lewandowski's boot was off, but Spanish media furiously debated whether the technology had misinterpreted Aguerd's heel as part of the veteran striker's boot.

La Real dominant

With Barcelona's strike chalked off, the host took control and tested visiting goalkeeper Inaki Pena several times.

Takefusa Kubo's low drive stung Pena's fingers after a fine dribble inside from the right flank by the Japan international.

Becker fired Real Sociedad ahead with a cool, low finish after Luka Sucic nodded the ball into his path.

Flick brought on Olmo for the ineffective Frenkie de Jong at halftime, but Barcelona remained second best.

Becker screwed a shot wide after Jules Kounde did just enough to put off the Real Sociedad winger, and Ander Barrenetxea also squeezed an effort wide from a tight angle after bursting into the area.

Despite scoring 40 goals in its first 12 league matches, Barcelona was unable to find the net or even create any significant danger in the final stages.

"We really wanted to win at home and there was no better team to do it against," said Real Sociedad midfielder Brais Mendez.

"They are the most in-form team in Europe and the fans deserved a night like this."

Diego Simeone's Atletico side secured its fourth consecutive victory across all competitions in a tight clash at Mallorca's Son Moix stadium.

Alvarez netted his fourth league goal since joining Atletico from Manchester City in the summer in the 61st minute, after being set up unselfishly by Diego Simeone's son Giuliano Simeone.

"We knew it would be a tough game, we got better in the second half, the goal came and we took three important points," said Argentina international Alvarez.

AFP