Real Sociedad Stuns Barcelona 2-1, Ending Leaders' 11-Game Winning Streak

In a dramatic La Liga clash at Reale Arena on January 18, 2026, Real Sociedad delivered a stunning upset by defeating league leaders Barcelona 2-1, snapping the Catalans' impressive 11-match winning run across all competitions.

The hosts took the lead in the 32nd minute when captain Mikel Oyarzabal fired in a precise volley, capitalizing on a swift counter despite Barcelona's early dominance. The visitors had multiple chances ruled out in the first half—including three disallowed goals and a VAR-overturned penalty—leaving them frustrated at halftime trailing 1-0.

Barcelona responded strongly after the break. Substitute Marcus Rashford leveled the score in the 70th minute with a close-range header, seemingly setting up a comeback. However, Real Sociedad struck back almost immediately—Gonçalo Guedes restored the lead just a minute later with a clinical finish from inside the area.

The final stages grew tense as Barcelona hit the woodwork five times and pressed relentlessly, but Real Sociedad's defense held firm. Late drama saw Barcelona's Carlos Soler sent off in the 88th minute (though some reports vary on the exact player), leaving the visitors with 10 men as they chased an equalizer in vain.

The result trims Barcelona's lead at the top to just one or two points (depending on other fixtures), while boosting Real Sociedad's morale in a competitive season. Fans and analysts hailed it as one of the campaign's biggest shocks, with Oyarzabal and Guedes earning praise for their decisive contributions.