Barcelona reclaim top spot with dominant win over 10-man Real Sociedad

Barcelona cruised back to the top of La Liga with a commanding victory over 10-man Real Sociedad at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on 2 march, regaining their one-point lead over Atletico Madrid in the title race.

Atletico had briefly overtaken Barcelona after their 1-0 win against Athletic Club on 1 march, but Hansi Flick's side responded emphatically, extending their winning streak to six matches with goals from Gerard Martin, Marc Casado, Ronald Araujo, and Robert Lewandowski.

Sociedad, who are preparing for their Europa League last-16 clash against Manchester United on 6 march, had beaten Barcelona 1-0 in their previous meeting in november. However, their hopes of a repeat performance took a severe blow when Aritz Elustondo was sent off in the 17th minute for a last-man foul on Dani Olmo.

Barcelona quickly capitalised on their numerical advantage. Just eight minutes later, Lamine Yamal skilfully lost his marker in the box and combined with Olmo to set up Martin, who finished neatly at the back post for his first goal for the club.

Olmo continued to make an impact, with his shot from the edge of the box deflecting off Casado and into the net just four minutes later, giving Casado his first Barcelona goal as well.

The hosts maintained their momentum, adding a third goal moments later. After Pedri's long-range effort struck the woodwork, Araujo headed in a perfectly delivered corner from Raphinha.

Lewandowski completed the scoring on the hour mark, deftly guiding Araujo's shot past Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro to seal a dominant win for the Catalan side.