Barça has exceeded expectations in an always challenging match against Real Sociedad. 4-0 at Montjuïc, taking advantage of an early expulsion of the central defender Elustondo, who saw a direct red card for holding Olmo. Thinking about the upcoming Champions League clash, Hansi Flick let many of his startersrest, but one who played the entire match was Robert Lewandowski.
Lewandowski continues to increase his goal tally in LaLiga, reaching 21 goals with the one he scored against Real Sociedad. He didn't expect a shot from Araújo that hit him directly, changing direction and adding to his personal tally. He now has 21 in the domestic competition, extending his lead by four over the second-placed, Mbappé.
Barça beats Real Sociedad and Lewandowski makes it clear to Mbappé: "I'm going for..."
After this match, having scored a goal and taking advantage of Mbappé staying scoreless against Betis, Lewandowski continues his own path. On the way to the locker rooms, he was heard telling his teammates: "I'm going for the Pichichi". The Frenchman from Madrid has already received this warning, knowing he will have a tough fight if he wants to win this individual award.
Lewandowski is experiencing his best goal-scoring season since joining Barça, with 34 goals across all competitions. All this, in addition to three assists, in just 36 matches. These figures make him a leader in Europe, having also already renewed his contract until 2026.
Barça, sole leader of LaLiga
After everything that happened this matchday, and having defeated Real Sociedad, Barça has regained the top position in LaLiga alone. They have now accumulated 57 points after 26 matches, surpassing the second-placed, Atlético, by one. Meanwhile, Madrid with Mbappé is third, with 54.
In this 4-0 against Real Sociedad, it wasn't just Lewandowski who scored. The one who opened the scoring was the youth player Gerard Martín who, like Casadó, scored his first goal with Barça. Meanwhile, the last scorer was Ronald Araújo, who started and reportedly ended with a foot injury.
An almost perfect matchday for a Barça that is already thinking about what's next: the Champions League.