Barcelona comeback leaves Real Sociedad furious over key referee decision

La Real stunned the champions when Odriozola struck first in the opening half, finishing off a quick counter-attack after Sergio Francisco's side soaked up heavy pressure. Barcelona had dominated possession, at one stage enjoying 89 per cent of the ball, but were frustrated by the saves of Alex Remiro and the resilience of Sociedad's five-man defence.

The controversy came just before half-time. Marcus Rashford won a corner after a debatable decision, when Sociedad argued the ball had gone out off the home side. From that corner, Jules Kounde powered in a header to bring Barcelona level.

Odriozola, who scored Sociedad's opener, voiced his frustration after the match. "We complained about it because that's how it was. Referees make mistakes too, and this time the referee clearly made a mistake. There's no need to dwell on it, but it hurt us," he said.

Barcelona's quality told in the second half. Hansi Flick introduced teenager Lamine Yamal just before the hour, and the 17-year-old immediately changed the game. His surging run and cross set up Robert Lewandowski for the winner, the pair combining for the third time already this season in La Liga.

Sociedad still had chances, with Takefusa Kubo twice striking the woodwork late on, but Barcelona held on for another home victory. Flick's side have now won ten of their last twelve games at Montjuic, while Sociedad's struggles away from home continued with a sixth defeat in seven on the road.

The result also underlined Barcelona's dominance in this fixture, they have now won 27 of their last 28 home league matches against La Real.

Sergio Francisco insisted his side would not lose heart despite the setback. "We know what we are capable of. It is difficult against Barcelona, but we competed and created chances. We must take positives and move forward," the Sociedad coach said.