Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Barca suffer 1st home loss ahead of trophy party

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Saturday, 20 May 2023 22:52

Mikel Merino and Alexander Sorloth scored in each half to earn Real Sociedad a 2-1 win at Barcelona on Saturday, handing the LaLiga champions their first home defeat of the season on a day when they were celebrating their title triumph.

With the league title in the bag, there was an end-of-season feel at Camp Nou as the fans waited to see the post-game celebrations when Barca would lift the LaLiga trophy.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

However, Real Sociedad made sure it would not go all Barca's way as they got in-front quickly, with Merino scoring with a tidy finish in the fifth minute.

They extended their lead with Sorloth in the 72nd minute and Robert Lewandowski headed in a consolation for Barcelona from close-range in the 90th minute.

With three games left, fourth-placed Real Sociedad moved on to 65 points and tightened their grip on the last Champions League qualification spot, five points ahead of fifth-placed Villarreal who beat Girona 2-1 earlier on Saturday.

Champions Barcelona have an unassailable 14-point lead over second-place Real Madrid, who play at Valencia on Sunday. Atletico Madrid are third on 69 points.

"If you remember at the start of the season, I asked for unity," Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez said on the Camp Nou pitch. "Now is the moment to say thank you. Firstly, to the president and his board of directors for the unconditional support they have given us. 'We aren't that bad, eh, presi?' We are very grateful.

"Thank you to the staff, the players who have given everything on the pitch. And to the fans. Without you it would not have been possible. You have been spectacular. Those that have filled the stadiums, those that were at the bus parade. It's given me goosebumps."

Captain Sergio Busquets received the LaLiga trophy from federation president Luis Rubiales and presented it to the crowd with his teammates. The occasion was also a celebration of the midfielder, who claimed his 32nd and last title before he leaves Barcelona this summer.

"No one doubt that this is just getting started," the 34-year-old said "Thanks to all the fans because it's not possible without you. Thanks to the staff for helping us be at our best.

"Also, a word for Hector Bellerin, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gerard Pique, Memphis Depay and our teammates from the team that have also helped us win this title," he added, referencing those players who began the season with Barcelona but have since departed.

Information from ESPN's Sam Marsden contributed to this report.

Read 191 times

Soccer

Benzema back at Real Madrid for injury rehab

Benzema back at Real Madrid for injury rehab

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsReal Madrid are helping former player Karim Benzema in his recovery...

Source: Sancho to leave Man Utd in the summer

Source: Sancho to leave Man Utd in the summer

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsManchester United expect Jadon Sancho to leave the club in the summ...

Rangnick turns down Bayern to stay with Austria

Rangnick turns down Bayern to stay with Austria

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsRalf Rangnick has decided to remain in his role as head coach of th...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Celtics 'learning from our mistakes,' close out Heat

Celtics 'learning from our mistakes,' close out Heat

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBOSTON -- The Boston Celtics pounded the short-handed Miami Heat 11...

Clips on brink but still believe, cite recent history

Clips on brink but still believe, cite recent history

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- After playing their worst game of the series and los...

Baseball

Dodgers ace Buehler expected to return on Mon.

Dodgers ace Buehler expected to return on Mon.

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPHOENIX -- Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler is expected t...

Mets' Lindor exits early with flu-like symptoms

Mets' Lindor exits early with flu-like symptoms

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Francisco Lindor left the New York Mets' game against t...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated