Barcelona 2-0 Real Sociedad: Barca defeat visitors to reclaim second spot

Barcelona secured second place in La Liga with a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad, marking their fifth consecutive home league win since October, a feat not achieved since then.

Real Sociedad started the game with hopes of replicating their away win against Barcelona from last season. Sheraldo Becker came close to scoring on a couple of occasions, with an early effort going over the bar and a goal being disallowed due to an offside call.

After a slow start, Barcelona issued a warning to Real Sociedad when Raphinha's powerful left-footed shot hit the upright.

Encouraged by this, Barcelona managed to break the deadlock towards the end of the first half, with Robert Lewandowski's pass finding Ilkay Gundogan, who set up Lamine Yamal for a goal.

Raphinha, undeterred by his earlier near miss, attempted two long-range shots in the second half. The first went over the crossbar, but the second forced a brilliant diving save from Alex Remiro.

Real Sociedad had a chance to equalize when Brais Mendez created space for himself, but he dragged his shot wide. As the game reached its final 15 minutes, Remiro made an excellent save to deny Ferran Torres.

However, in stoppage time, Raphinha converted a penalty after a handball, sealing the victory for Barcelona.

The hosts are rejoicing over securing three valuable points and achieving their fifth clean sheet in seven home league games, while Sociedad is now contemplating a loss that has placed them in seventh position, just one point behind Real Betis.

SportsLigue