Barcelona has crossed into the semifinals of the 2022/23 Copa del Rey after a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad in a quarterfinal match at Camp Nou that stayed competitive until the end despite the players going down to 10 men before halftime.
Ousmane Dembele scored the decisive goal in the 52nd minute, and it was just a reward for a spectacular performance with Real Sociedad unable to get to grips with the Frenchman, who was running past players down the right flank like they weren’t there.
Barcelona made full use of the straight red card shown to Real Sociedad midfielder Brais Mendez four minutes before halftime for a stomp. The player lost his cool during a moment of high intensity in the match and received the first red card of his career.
But that didn’t discourage 10-man Real Sociedad from threatening in the second half. Alexander Sorloth flubbed a sitter with the goal at his mercy, and then the visitors also had two late shots which forced Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen into two big stops to prevent the 1-1 equalizer.
The loss snapped a nine-match winning streak in all competitions for Real Sociedad, who were missing several key players entering the match. The result sent Barcelona into the semifinals with that draw taking place on Friday, January 27.
Real Sociedad, six points behind leaders Barcelona in third place in La Liga, get set for a trip to face the other Spanish giant Real Madrid in league play this Sunday. 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′).