Barcelona secured a cushty 4-0 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday to transfer again top of La Liga.
Aritz Elustondo’s early purple card gave Hansi Flick’s aspect a cushty afternoon with Gerard Martin, Marc Casado, Ronald Araujo and Robert Lewandowski on the scoresheet.
Atletico Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao on Saturday to briefly knock the Catalans from their perch, whereas Real Madrid, third, misplaced at Real Betis.
Flick was ready to rotate his aspect just a little forward of the Champions League final 16 go to to face Benfica on Wednesday and nonetheless transfer one level above Atletico.
“There were a lot of things that helped us a lot today, the red card but also how we played, we were dominant after the red card,” Flick informed reporters.
The German coach mentioned earlier than the sport Barca would battle onerous to win all the three main competitions they’re in, and reiterated it afterwards.
“Today we are happy with the three points and there’s a long way to go in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League,” he continued.
“We will fight for every title and when we started the season no-one (expected) this.
“We’re on this state of affairs, that we are able to battle (for the trophies), and that is what we wish till the tip of the season.”
Real Sociedad, ninth, threatened in the opening stages but fell foul of Barcelona’s offside trap, with Sergio Gomez’s strike ruled out.
At the other end Barcelona playmaker Pedri Gonzalez came close when he pressed La Real goalkeeper Alex Remiro and deflected his attempted clearance just over and onto the roof of the net.
The game swung Barcelona’s way when Elustondo was sent off in the 17th minute for pulling down Dani Olmo, who was running through on goal.
The hosts took the lead after 25 minutes when Olmo chipped the ball across for Martin to fire home the first goal of his career.
Four minutes later, Barca had their second, with Olmo involved again, this time his wayward shot deflected home by team-mate Casado.
The enterprising Lamine Yamal teed up Pedri but Remiro saved his shot from the edge of the box as Barca dominated.
‘Happy to help’
Pedri came close again after the break with an effort from range which bounced back off the crossbar, shortly before Araujo nabbed the third.
Remiro pushed out Lewandowski’s header from corner but Araujo nodded home the rebound.
Lewandowski cleverly converted Barcelona’s fourth, prodding home Araujo’s low drive from distance.
The 36-year-old leads the league with 21 goals in 25 appearances.
“I’m very completely happy for our efficiency and it was vital to win and return to being leaders,” Araujo told Movistar.
“I’m completely happy for the nice work we did and going first once more.”
Since recovering from a bad knee injury, Araujo has been unable to reclaim a regular starting spot in defence.
“I got here again from a long-term damage, I’m calm and going step-by-step, I consider in myself and my traits, and I’m completely happy to assist,” said Araujo.
“I feel it can be crucial to have a aggressive workforce to win titles, not simply 11 gamers however an excellent bench too.”
Barcelona played out the final half an hour without incident, occasionally threatening, with substitute Ferran Torres twice coming close to a fifth.
“The purple card, after that the sport modified utterly, we got here right here to attempt to dominate the ball,” said Real Sociedad defender Javi Lopez.
“A sending off modifications all the things… additionally they had luck on their objectives and that makes it very troublesome in opposition to the most effective groups on this planet.”
Published – March 03, 2025 02:29 am IST
