Barcelona regained control of the LaLiga title race with a commanding 4-0 victory over 10-man Real Sociedad at home on Sunday.
The result marked their sixth consecutive league win, propelling them to the top of the table with 57 points from 26 matches—one point ahead of Atletico Madrid.
Defending champions Real Madrid slipped to third place on the table, with 54 points following their 2-1 defeat at Real Betis a day earlier.
Defender Ronald Araujo, with a goal and an assist, hailed the team’s performance and unity, highlighting the importance of reclaiming the top spot.
Real Sociedad initially threatened to unsettle Barcelona when Sergio Gomez appeared to have given them an early lead.
VAR disallowed the goal in the third minute, and their woes deepened when Aritz Elustondo saw red in the 17th for fouling Dani Olmo.
Barcelona quickly capitalized as Lamine Yamal dribbled past two defenders and set up Olmo, whose chipped pass was volleyed in by Gerard Martin for his first professional goal.
Just three minutes later, Marc Casado doubled the lead as Olmo’s long-range effort deflected off him into the net.
The hosts maintained their attacking intent in the second half, with Araujo heading in a rebound from goalkeeper Alex Remiro’s save in the 56th minute.
Hansi Flick then made multiple substitutions to keep players fresh ahead of their Champions League clash with Benfica.
Despite the changes, Barcelona extended their lead when Robert Lewandowski redirected Araujo’s effort to net his 21st league goal of the season, sealing an emphatic win.
