Araujo steals it late for lacklustre Barcelona against Real Sociedad

Barcelona keep pace with Real Madrid and Girona after leaving it late to beat Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena.

LALIGA champions Barcelona stole maximum points late in the game thanks to a Ronald Arujo strike after being dominated by Real Sociedad for the majority of the game.

Xavi Hernandez's team travelled to the Reale Arena in an attempt to remedy the defeat to Real Madrid in the El Clasico from the previous week. They were doing a terrible job of it before a late Araujo header ensured they kept pace with those in higher league positions.

How it happened

The hosts started with a pop, pressing high against Barcelona’s backline and snuffing out any attempt at building out from the back. 

They also created high-quality chances in the opener encounter, with Ander Barrenetxea and Takefusa Kubo both asking questions of Blaugrauna captain Marc Andre Ter Stegen, but the German, who eventually picked up the Man of the Match Award, was on hand to answer them.

Barcelona found their footing later in the first-half, and were close to scoring the opener against the run of play, but the scoreline remained goalless.

The second-half went similarly to the first, with Real Sociedad dominating the play; however, unlike the first, La Reale created fewer chances, and Barcelona came up for air more often.

Both managers dipped their hands into the respective benches and shuffled the deck. This turned out more positively for Barcelona later in the game, as substitute Pedri was integral to  Barcelona’s winner.

An incredible swivel from Gavi in midfield started the play. The teenager found his Spanish teammate, who turned away from the crowd elegantly before switching the play to Balde on the left flank.

Balde got the ball to Gundogan, who in turn clipped the ball into the area for a marauding Araujo. The Uruguayan headed the ball through Remiro’s legs and into the net. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR overturned the decision.

The win cut Barcelona’s deficit on league leaders Girona to four points, ensuring they stay on pace as they attempt to defend their LALIGA crown.

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