Author – Amrit Santlani
Newly crowned La Liga champions FC Barcelona were beaten 2-1 by Real Sociedad, a week after confirming their league title, while in Serie A, AC Milan scored five goals against already relegated Sampdoria, causing more heartache for Dejan Stankovic’s men.
Last week, Barça beat Espanyol 4-2 to win their 27th league title. However, Xavi’s side suffered a setback when La Real spoiled the Catalans’ title celebrations at the Camp Nou on Saturday. Imanol Alguacil’s side started the game brightly and needed just five minutes to open the scoring. Mikel Merino finished from close range after being cleverly set up by Alexander Sorloth, who took the ball from Jules Kounde.
Ousmane Dembele came close to leveling the scores, but his header was saved by Alex Remiro. Robert Lewandowski missed a great chance when he headed over the bar from Raphinha’s cross.
Sorloth threatened the Barça defense again when his cross reached Mohamed-Ali Cho, but Marc Andre-ter Stegen made a smart save. Sorloth missed a header from close range in the second half before Sociedad doubled their lead. The visitors counter-attacked at a breakneck pace, and Sorloth (72 mins) met Martin Zubimendi’s cross.
Diego Rico was thwarted by Ter Stegen as the goalkeeper saved the team, before Lewandowski (90 mins) scored a header, following a cross from Ferran Torres, to score the consolation goal. Brazilian full-back Raphinha played 63 minutes before being replaced by Ansu Fati in a mixed match.
In Italy, AC Milan reacted to their Champions League semi-final exit with a 5-1 thrashing of Sampdoria. After losing to city rivals Spezia and Inter in the space of a week, Milan had the perfect response as they continue to chase Champions League soccer next season.
Rafael Leão opened the scoring in the ninth minute, before Olivier Giroud added a hat-trick, as well as a goal from Brahim Diaz. Brazilian full-back Junior Messias stayed on for an hour, on an impressive night for Stefano Pioli’s side, who jumped up to fifth place, one point behind Lazio, who have a game in hand.