Ousmane Dembele scored the game-winning goal in the 52nd minute, and it was just reward for a sensational effort by the Frenchman, who ran past Real Sociedad players down the right flank like they didn’t exist.
Four minutes before halftime, Real Sociedad midfielder Brais Mendez was issued a straight red card for stamping. Barcelona took full advantage of Mendez’s dismissal. The first red card of the player’s career was issued after he lost his composure during a tense period in the contest.
In spite of being reduced to ten men, Real Sociedad continued to pose a threat in the second half. Alexander Sorloth missed a chance with the goal at his mercy, and then the visitors had two late efforts that caused Marc-Andre Ter Stegen to make two crucial saves to prevent the 1-1 tie.
Real Sociedad’s nine-match winning streak in all competitions was ended with the loss, despite the absence of several key players. The result advanced Barcelona to the semifinals, which will be determined on Friday, January 27.
This Sunday, Real Sociedad, which is now in third place in La Liga, six points behind leaders Barcelona, will travel to face the other Spanish behemoth, Real Madrid. Barcelona prepare to travel to Girona on Saturday.
Barcelona vs Real Sociedad final score
1H 2H Final
Barcelona 0 1 1
Real Sociedad 0 0 0
Goals:
BAR — Ousmane Dembele — 52nd min.
Red Card:
SOC — Brais Mendez — 41st min.
Lineups:
Barcelona lineup (4-4-2, right to left): 1-Ter Stegen (GK) — 23-Kounde, 4-Araujo, 15-Christensen (17-Alonso, 91′), 28-Balde (22-Raphinha, 77′) — 8-Pedri (19-Kessie, 77′), 5-Busquets, 21-De Jong, 30-Gavi — 7-Dembele (10-Fati, 84′), 9-Lewandowski.
Real Sociedad lineup (4-3-3, right to left): 1-Remiro (GK) — 6-Elustondo, 5-Zubeldia, 24-Le Normand, 15-Rico (12-Munoz, 46′) — 23-Brais, 3-Zubimendi, 42-Marin (31-Olasagasti, 77′) — 14-Kubo (17-Navarro, 77′), 19-Sorloth (9-Fernandez, 87′), 10-Oyarzabal (7-Barrenetxea, 46′).
»Barcelona vs Real Sociedad. Ousmane Dembele goal leads Barca to Copa del Rey semi finals«