Golden Opportunity for Barcelona
FC Barcelona is set to host Real Sociedad on Sunday, September 28, 2025, with a significant prize on the line: the top spot in La Liga. Following Real Madrid’s stunning 5-2 derby defeat to Atlético Madrid on Saturday, the door has opened for Hansi Flick’s defending champions to leapfrog their rivals. A victory at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys would place them a point clear at the summit of the league table.
The match also marks Barcelona’s return to Montjuïc for the first time this season. Persistent delays in the renovation of the iconic Camp Nou forced the club to play its initial home fixtures at the much smaller, 6,000-seat Estadi Johan Cruyff. Now back at their temporary home from the past two seasons, the Catalans will be looking to make a statement.
Team News: Injuries and a Debutant
Barcelona enters the contest amidst a growing injury crisis. The club suffered a double blow during their hard-fought 3-1 midweek victory over Real Oviedo, with two key players forced off the field. Winger Raphinha is expected to be sidelined for the better part of a month with a hamstring injury, while goalkeeper Joan García has been ruled out for four to six weeks after tearing the meniscus in his left knee. They join an already crowded treatment room that includes Gavi, Marc-André ter Stegen, Fermín López, and Alejandro Balde.
In response to the setbacks, Hansi Flick has made several changes and has handed a promising youngster his first official start. The confirmed starting lineup is as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczęsny makes his first appearance of the season.
- Defenders: Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Gerard Martin form the backline.
- Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will operate as a double pivot, with 17-year-old prodigy Pedro Fernandez Dro making his full first-team debut in the attacking midfield role.
- Forwards: Robert Lewandowski leads the line, supported by Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji on the flanks.
Notably, 18-year-old star Lamine Yamal, who recently returned from a hip injury, begins the match on the bench. The coaching staff has been managing his return cautiously, particularly with a crucial Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain looming, as reported by digitaltrendstoday.com.
Real Sociedad Seeking Momentum
The visitors from San Sebastián arrive in Barcelona with fortunes starkly contrasting their hosts. Under new manager Sergio Francisco, Real Sociedad has endured a difficult start to the campaign, securing just one win, two draws, and three losses from their opening six matches, leaving them hovering just outside the relegation zone.
However, they will be buoyed by their first victory of the season, a 1-0 win against Mallorca in midweek, and will be desperate to build on that result. La Real’s confirmed lineup features Mikel Oyarzabal leading the attack, though key players like Takefusa Kubo and Carlos Soler start from the bench. The Basque side is also contending with its own injury list, with Yangel Herrera, Aritz Elustondo, and Orri Óskarsson among those unavailable for the clash.
High Stakes and a Packed Schedule
Despite the injury concerns and off-field distractions surrounding their stadium, the motivation for Barcelona is clear. The chance to reclaim the top spot in La Liga provides a powerful incentive. With an undefeated start to the season (five wins and one draw), Flick’s side are firm favorites to continue their strong form. However, they must remain focused, as this match is followed by a blockbuster European night against PSG on Wednesday, October 1, kicking off a demanding run of fixtures.
