Rashford scores on return, but Barcelona fall in chaotic defeat at Real Sociedad

Barcelona saw their lead at the top of La Liga dented after an incident-filled 2-1 defeat away to Real Sociedad, despite a second-half equaliser from substitute Marcus Rashford, Sport360NG reports.

The England international, on loan from Manchester United, came off the bench to head Barcelona level in the 70th minute, registering his eighth goal in all competitions since arriving in Spain. His intervention briefly cancelled out a fine opener from Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal, who had put the hosts ahead with a crisp side-foot volley in the 32nd minute.

However, Barcelona’s relief was short-lived. Less than a minute after Rashford’s equaliser, Goncalo Guedes struck decisively to restore Sociedad’s advantage in a breathless contest marked by controversy and near misses.

The visitors endured a frustrating opening half hour in San Sebastian, having three goals disallowed for offside through Fermin Lopez, Frenkie de Jong and teenage winger Lamine Yamal. Their misfortune continued just before the interval when a penalty initially awarded after Yamal went down under a challenge from Igor Zubeldia was overturned following a VAR review due to another offside infringement.

After the break, Barcelona pressed relentlessly. Dani Olmo struck the woodwork twice within minutes of the restart, while substitute Robert Lewandowski saw a header tipped onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Alex Remiro.

Rashford’s well-taken header appeared to swing momentum, but Guedes’ swift response proved decisive. Barcelona continued to threaten, with defender Jules Kounde also rattling the bar late on, yet they were unable to find a second equaliser.

Sociedad ended the match with 10 men after Carlos Soler received a straight red card for a late challenge on Pedri in the 88th minute. Even so, the hosts held firm through nine minutes of stoppage time to secure consecutive home league victories over Barcelona.

The result represents Barcelona’s third league defeat of the season, leaving them on 49 points from 20 matches, one point clear of second-placed Real Madrid. Sociedad’s win lifts them up to eighth in the table, reinforcing their growing reputation as a formidable opponent on home soil.