Real Sociedad 0-1 FC Barcelona: Aubameyang strikes as Xavi's side return to second in league table

Barcelona returned to second in the La Liga table as they overcame a stubborn Real Sociedad 1-0 at the Reale Arena. An early strike from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was enough to get the Catalans over the line in a fiercely-contested match that saw the referee have to halt proceedings as an object was launched from the stands at Gerard Pique in the early moments of the second half.

Ad/> In a game that was played at a furious tempo, one could argue that it was Imanol Alguacil's hosts who had the better of the opportunities, with both their strikers, Alexander Isak and Alexander Sorloth both missing glorious opportunities that left Barcelona thanking their lucky stars. LigaBarcelona stunned by relegation-haunted Cadiz18/04/2022 AT 18:13 It was the Gabonese international Aubameyang who had scored the decisive goal, nodding over the line after Ousmane Dembele had hit the post, but Sociedad had their chances.

Sorloth missed a guilt-edged, golden opportunity at the far post from close range that he won't want to see again, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen produced a reflex save on 58 minutes to deny him as he raced onto Rafinha's through pass. Alexander Isak squandered a great chance in the first half, uncharacteristically firing wide of the far post as ter Stegen rushed out to meet him, as the Swede demonstrated his lack of confidence in front of goal in a season that hasn't quite been as fruitful as he would have liked.

Xavi's side were composed, and as the hosts continued to knock on the door in search of that elusive equaliser, the experienced heads of the Blaugrana stood firm to grind out an important three points in their pursuit of Champions League football. Liga table Liga fixtures / results Liga top scorers /> TALKING POINT —