[WATCH] Barcelona ‘CELEBRATE’ and lift the La Liga trophy at Camp Nou despite 2-1 loss to Real Sociedad

In an unexpected change of events, Real Sociedad defeated recently crowned La Liga winners Barcelona 2-1 prior to their trophy presentation at Camp Nou.

With goals from Mikel Merino and Alexander Sorloth, Real Sociedad, who are presently in fourth place, maintained their position in the race for Champions League qualifying. Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona was able to get one back late in the game, but it wasn’t enough to win.

However, it actually didn’t matter because Barcelona was able to claim the trophy after the game because the championship had already been decided. In front of more than 89,000 spectators, the Spanish champios celebrated their league victory at the Camp Nou on Saturday.

Everybody sing! pic.twitter.com/I9JbdbASoR

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 20, 2023

Xavi started a talented lineup despite already having the championship locked up. Jules Kounde’s careless loss of the ball in a risky area, which allowed Sorloth to set up Merino for the game’s first goal, swiftly put the team behind. Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen gave up his first La Liga goal this season at Camp Nou, coming from open play.

The Catalans made an effort to fight back, as Ousmane Dembele and Franck Kessie both came close to tying the score. However, Real Sociedad took advantage of a counterattack as their pressure subsided in the second half. Frenkie de Jong was taken out of play by Martin Zubimendi, which allowed Sorloth to score and give the visitors a 2-0 advantage.

The defeat briefly marred the joyous atmosphere at Camp Nou, but the players and supporters quickly bounced back. Barcelona was free to resume their celebration after Espanyol fans’ pitch invasion cut short last week’s festivities.