Barcelona's visit to San Sebastián ended in a surprise 2-1 defeat against Real Sociedad. Despite dominating possession with 72% of the ball and registering 25 total shots, the Catalan giants struggled to break down a well-organized Real Sociedad defense.

The hosts took the lead in the 32nd minute through a calm finish from Mikel Oyarzabal, who capitalized on a rare Barcelona defensive lapse. Sociedad's game plan was clear - soak up pressure and look to hit on the counter, and they executed it to perfection. Barcelona had two VAR decisions go against them in the first half, disallowing goals from Fermín López and Lamine Yamal.

In the second half, Marcus Rashford equalized for Barcelona in the 70th minute with a clinical strike, only for Gonçalo Guedes to restore Sociedad's lead just a minute later. The Basque side's ability to strike quickly on the break proved to be a constant thorn in Barcelona's side. Sociedad's midfield trio of Beñat Turrientes, Jon Aramburu and Carlos Soler worked tirelessly to cut off Barcelona's passing lanes and limit their time on the ball.

Ultimately, Real Sociedad's defensive organization and clinical counter-attacking proved to be the difference. Barcelona's inability to create clear-cut chances from their dominant possession cost them, while Sociedad's pragmatic approach and clinical finishing earned them a valuable three points.