 |
| Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona at Reale Arena on April 21, 2022 in San Sebastian, Spain. |
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has fired Barcelona back into second place in Spain's La Liga after a narrow victory at Real Sociedad.
The former Arsenal striker's 11th goal for the club secured a 1-0 win at the Reale Seguros Stadium which leaves them 15 points adrift of leaders Real Madrid.
Ousmane Dembele had already hit the post when Aubameyang headed Barca into an 11th-minute lead, and Frenkie De Jong and the Gabon international both went close to a second before the break.
Sociedad, with Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan on the bench, fought for a way back into the game in a tight second half, but were unable to find a way past Barca keeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen as the Catalan side bounced back from their shock home defeat by Cadiz.
Sevilla sit third after Jesus Corona struck twice in an eventful 3-2 win at lowly Levante.
Corona headed the visitors into a 14th-minute lead. They were soon pegged back by Jose Luis Morales' penalty, only for Corona to double his tally with 27 minutes gone.
Morales passed up the opportunity to level for a second time when he missed a 71st-minute spot kick. Levante were made to pay when Jules Kounde headed the visitors further ahead nine minutes from time, although substitute Roberto Soldado made it interesting when he scored with three minutes remaining.
Ten-man Athletic Bilbao survived a tense conclusion to see out a 3-2 victory at Cadiz.
Bilbao looked to have the game won by halftime, racing to a 3-0 lead thanks to Raul Garcia, Iker Muniain and Mikel Vesga strikes.
Substitute Lucas Perez pulled a goal back for the home side 11 minutes after the restart within seconds of his introduction and Ruben Sobrino further reduced the deficit with three minutes left on the clock.
And Sergi Guardiola edged Rayo Vallecano seven points clear of the relegation zone as a 1-0 win at Espanyol ended their wait for a league victory at the 14th attempt.
