Barcelona vs. Real Sociedad – Football Match Report – May 20, 2023

Mikel Merino and Alexander Sorloth scored in every half to earn Real Sociedad a 2-1 win at Barcelona on Saturday, handing the LaLiga champions their first residence defeat of the season on a day once they have been celebrating their title triumph.

With the league title within the bag, there was an finish-of-season really feel at Camp Nou because the followers waited to see the submit-recreation celebrations when Barca would carry the LaLiga trophy.

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However, Real Sociedad made certain it could not go all Barca’s means as they acquired in-entrance shortly, with Merino scoring with a tidy end within the fifth minute.

They prolonged their lead with Sorloth within the 72nd minute and Robert Lewandowski headed in a comfort for Barcelona from shut-vary within the ninetieth minute.

With three video games left, fourth-positioned Real Sociedad moved on to 65 factors and tightened their grip on the final Champions League qualification spot, 5 factors forward of fifth-positioned Villarreal who beat Girona 2-1 earlier on Saturday.

Champions Barcelona have an unassailable 14-level lead over second-place Real Madrid, who play at Valencia on Sunday. Atletico Madrid are third on 69 factors.

“If you remember at the start of the season, I asked for unity,” Barcelona supervisor Xavi Hernandez stated on the Camp Nou pitch. “Now is the moment to say thank you. Firstly, to the president and his board of directors for the unconditional support they have given us. ‘We aren’t that bad, eh, presi?’ We are very grateful.

“Thank you to the employees, the gamers who’ve given every thing on the pitch. And to the followers. Without you it could not have been potential. You have been spectacular. Those which have crammed the stadiums, people who have been on the bus parade. It’s given me goosebumps.”

Captain Sergio Busquets received the LaLiga trophy from federation president Luis Rubiales and presented it to the crowd with his teammates. The occasion was also a celebration of the midfielder, who claimed his 32nd and last title before he leaves Barcelona this summer.

“No one doubt that that is simply getting began,” the 34-year-old said “Thanks to all of the followers as a result of it is not potential with out you. Thanks to the employees for serving to us be at our greatest.

“Also, a word for Hector Bellerin, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gerard Pique, Memphis Depay and our teammates from the team that have also helped us win this title,” he added, referencing these gamers who started the season with Barcelona however have since departed.

Information from ESPN’s Sam Marsden contributed to this report.