
Audio By Carbonatix
Barcelona reclaimed top spot in La Liga with a comfortable victory over 10-man Real Sociedad.
Atletico Madrid had leapfrogged them following their 1-0 win over Athletic Club on Saturday.
However, Hansi Flick's side easily restored their one-point advantage - and extended their winning run to six games - in the title race with goals from Gerard Martin, Marc Casado, Ronald Araujo and Robert Lewandowski.
Ninth-placed Sociedad, who face Manchester United in the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday, 6 March, came out on top when the two sides last met in November, winning 1-0.
However, they were up always up against it at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys after defender Aritz Elustondo received a straight red card in the 17th minute for bringing down a goalbound Dani Olmo.
Barcelona capitalised on their advantage just eight minutes later, Lamine Yamal losing his marker in the box before combining with Olmo to pick out full-back Martin to finish at the back post.
Four minutes later, Olmo was once again involved, with his strike from the edge of the box deflecting in off Casado. For both Martin and Casado, it was their first Barcelona goals.
The hosts didn't have to wait long for a third goal. Barely 60 seconds after Pedri had rattled the woodwork with a curling long-range effort, Araujo headed home an inswinging corner from Raphinha.
Poland striker Lewandowski sealed the rout on the hour mark, sticking out a foot to direct Araujo's shot beyond a helpless Alex Remiro in the visiting goal.
Latest Stories
-
Return to nature’s way of managing water to tackle flooding — GHIE
7 minutes -
Asantehene hosts Yagbonwura at Manhyia Palace
13 minutes -
South African government disputes Ghana’s claim on fatal shooting of Ghanaian national
33 minutes -
JoyNews partners NADMO to mobilise relief for flood victims
43 minutes -
Kwasi Pratt questions President’s helicopter tour of flood-hit areas, urges stronger ground engagement
58 minutes -
Flood victims to receive free psychological counselling as experts call for flexible work policies
1 hour -
NADMO says it warned of heavy rains and took steps to reduce flooding in Accra
1 hour -
Henry Quartey blames weak enforcement for worsening Accra floods
1 hour -
India asks WhatsApp to pause username feature rollout over fraud concerns
1 hour -
South African state complicit in xenophobic violence – Fiifi Boafo
1 hour -
NPP North East Regional Secretary declares bid for chairman position, says he’s tried and tested
2 hours -
Bus fares, rent, and school fees push Ghana’s inflation to 5.3% in June
2 hours -
WANEP urges stronger youth inclusion in West Africa’s political decision-making
2 hours -
GES debunks viral claim that floodwaters destroyed WASSCE papers
2 hours -
Mindful Governance brings Karl George MBE’s AI Wake-Up Call to Ghana’s boards
2 hours