Barcelona suffer frustrating defeat to Real Sociedad in La Liga as Lamine Yamal suffers ‘severe’ ankle injury

FC Barcelona suffered their first defeat after seven consecutive victories as they fell 1-0 to Real Sociedad in La Liga.


Barcelona suffer frustrating defeat to Real Sociedad in La Liga as Lamine Yamal suffers ‘severe’ ankle injury

Barcelona risk losing their six-point lead over Real Madrid with a loss to Sociedad (Via X/@brfootball)

An amazing spell of games in La Liga and the Champions League for Barcelona came to an abrupt end on Sunday. The Blaugrana suffered their first defeat after seven consecutive wins as Real Sociedad claimed a narrow 1-0 victory at Anoeta. Fans expressed their frustration at the result as star man Lamine Yamal watched on from the sidelines with an injury.

The game began with Hansi Flick‘s men on the front foot, as they made several attempts on goal. Robert Lewandowski‘s goal was chalked off following a lengthy consultation with VAR, ultimately leading to a lot of controversy. Marc Casado also saw his volley go inches wide of the post before Sheraldo Becker scored the only goal of the game in the 33rd minute.

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Already a goal behind, Hansi Flick’s substitutions couldn’t turn things around for the visitors. Dani Olmo, Ansu Fati and Gavi were not able to make an impact on the game as expected.

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Barcelona later announced on social media that Lamine Yamal will be out for the foreseeable future with a ‘severe’ ankle injury sustained in their UCL game against Crvena zvezda.

Barcelona yet to make decision on AC Milan star

FC Barcelona missed out on Nico Williams in the previous summer transfer window. However, the same has resulted in Raphinha finding a new level of form at the club, arguably making him one of the best players in the world at the moment. While the Brazilian continues to thrive in Hansi Flick‘s front three, the club are still closely monitoring the situation of AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.

Rafael Leao and Joan Laporta
Will Joan Laporta be willing to spend over €80 million for Rafael Leao? (Via GOAL & X/@BarcaBlaugranes)

The 25-year-old is keen on a move away from the club after falling out with head coach Paulo Fonseca. That being said, the club will definitely ask for a fee in the region of €80 to €90 million, making it difficult for Barcelona to consider his purchase. It is obvious that Leao will also demand a hefty salary if he is to switch clubs in the future.

Besides Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in the player. Their financial situation and finishing problems up front make the Portuguese winger a ‘better’ fit for the Ligue 1 club who are currently top of the league table. Meanwhile, in La Liga, Barcelona’s loss to Real Sociedad gives Madrid an opportunity to close down the gap to just three points with a game in hand.