Ousmane Dembélé’s aim early within the second half helped Barcelona defeat 10-man Real Sociedad 1-0 at house on Wednesday to succeed in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey.
The end result ended a nine-game successful streak for Sociedad, which performed a person down from the fortieth minute after Brais Méndez was despatched off for a harmful sort out on Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets.
It was Sociedad’s twenty seventh straight loss to Barcelona as a customer. It hasn’t received on the Catalan membership in 31 matches, relationship again to 1991.
The Basque Country aspect arrived as one of many hottest groups in Spain with 21 wins in 28 matches in all competitions this season, with 13 of these wins coming in away video games. It had misplaced solely 4 occasions general and is third within the Spanish league, six factors behind chief Barcelona.
Barcelona was in management for many of the match, although, and opened the scoring within the 52nd by way of Dembélé’s angled shot from inside the realm after a move into area by defender Jules Koundé.
Sociedad had a few good probabilities close to the top however couldn’t capitalize on them, with Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen arising with massive saves.
Barcelona was eradicated within the spherical of 16 final season and received the Copa in 2021 for its final title earlier than the departure of Lionel Messi. The Catalan membership has received 4 matches in a row, together with the Spanish Super Cup last towards Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia.
Barcelona coach Xavi had Robert Lewandowski again after the Poland striker couldn’t play towards Getafe within the Spanish league due to a suspension.
Sociedad was with out veteran playmaker David Silva due to a muscle damage.
Barcelona eradicated third-division membership Ceuta within the spherical of 16, whereas Sociedad obtained previous Mallorca.
Struggling Sevilla visits Osasuna within the different quarterfinal on Wednesday. Real Madrid hosts metropolis rival Atletico Madrid on Thursday, and Athletic Bilbao visits Valencia.
The draw for the semifinals might be on Monday.
