Daijiworld Media Network - Barcelona

Barcelona, Sep 29: Teen sensation Lamine Yamal made a dazzling comeback from injury, setting up the decisive goal as Barcelona edged Real Sociedad 2-1 on Sunday to climb to the top of La Liga, one point clear after rivals Real Madrid were stunned 5-2 by Atletico a day earlier.

Real Sociedad struck first in the 31st minute when Alvaro Odriozola finished a swift counter off an Ander Barrenetxea cross. Barca equalised before half-time as Marcus Rashford delivered a sharp corner for Jules Kounde to head home.

Back from a groin layoff, 18-year-old Yamal entered after the break and immediately impacted the game, bursting into the box to supply a perfect cross for Robert Lewandowski, who nodded in off the post. “I’m very happy he’s back… he gives that last pass,” Kounde told Movistar, while coach Hansi Flick hailed the youngster’s “outstanding strength.”

Barca, playing at the Olympic Stadium after city officials denied a Camp Nou reopening permit, also handed a debut to 17-year-old Dro Fernandez, while Marcus Rashford—on loan from Manchester United—impressed with sharp link play despite being denied by Spain goalkeeper Alex Remiro multiple times.

Late chances saw both sides rattle the crossbar, but Barca held firm despite a frantic finish. “We suffered too much in the last 25 minutes,” admitted Kounde.

Barcelona next host Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday’s Champions League clash, while Real Sociedad, now 17th, take heart from a spirited showing.

Earlier, Elche beat Celta Vigo 2-1 to move up to fourth. Valencia’s Monday match with Real Oviedo faces a rain-related postponement amid flood warnings in the region.