Barcelona managed a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad on Monday evening at the Olympic stadium as the Blaugrana returned to second position on the table, as Xavi’s side got their fifth consecutive home league win since October.

The last time Real Sociedad visited Barcelona’s home ground, they secured a victory and they were hoping to secure a second consecutive win in successive visits to the Blaugrana.

Real Sociedad started brightly and disturbed their hosts, with Sheraldo Becker almost opening the scoring in the 22nd minute, although his goal was ruled out by the assistant’s raised flag.

It took Barcelona a while to get going, and when they did, they threatened first through Raphinha, whose fierce left-footed shot struck the upright. Only moments later, Barcelona took the lead after Robert Lewandowski’s through pass found Ilkay Gündoğan, who pulled the ball out for Lamine Yamal, who then slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

It took a while into the second half before the action properly got going as Raphinha tested the Real Sociedad goalkeeper twice in the opening 20 minutes of the second half. 

The first effort from the Brazilian went over the crossbar, while his second effort forced Álex Remiro to make a superb save. The visitors could have equalized through Brais Méndez, but he only dragged his shot wide of Marc-André ter Stegen’s post.

In the final quarter of the game, Ferran Torres stuck a low effort towards goal. Remiro made a great stop, but he couldn’t stop Brazilian forward Raphinha from the penalty spot.

The referee picked a handball in the Real Sociedad box for a penalty and it was Raphinha who stepped up in the stoppage-time to score the penalty and then secure all maximum points. It is the fifth clean sheet for Barcelona in seven home fixtures while the visitors remain in seventh.