Barca's 11-match winning streak across all competitions ended on 12/1 with a defeat at Anoeta. Mikel Oyarzabal and Goncalo Guedes scored for Real Sociedad, while Marcus Rashford netted Barca's only goal. This loss narrowed the gap between Barca and Real to one point.

Frenkie De Jong speaks with referee Jesus Gil Manzano during Barca's 1-2 loss to Real Sociedad in La Liga matchday 20 on 18/1/2026. *Viva Barca*

The first half featured a contentious moment when Lamine Yamal had a goal disallowed for offside. However, De Jong, as Barca's captain and the only player allowed to communicate with the referee, stated that Gil Manzano's attitude was what angered him most.

"If the referee calls offside, then it's offside. I haven't reviewed the situation, but people tell me it wasn't offside", the Dutch midfielder said. "The problem is you cannot even speak with the referee. I am the captain, I tried to communicate, but he looked at me as if he was on a higher level. That is frustrating. Referees should not behave like that."

De Jong also questioned the amount of added time. According to the 28-year-old player, Real Sociedad frequently wasted time in the final minutes, yet the referee ended the match precisely when the announced nine minutes of added time were complete.

"During added time, I told the referee they took a full minute for each throw-in or goal kick. That is normal, but not adding even 10 seconds is crazy", he stated. "I said that and immediately received a yellow card. With this referee, you cannot say anything."

Head coach Hansi Flick reacts during the match. *AP*

Head coach Hansi Flick, who rarely criticizes referees publicly, supported his player's stance. "I heard what Frenkie said, and he is right", he expressed. "But I do not want to waste energy on this matter. Anyone who watched on television or was at the stadium saw the referee's performance. We must accept it."

In this match, Barca dominated, generating an expected goals (xG) statistic of 3,69, hitting the woodwork four times, and having three goals disallowed for offside. However, the visitors' only accomplishment was Rashford's equalizer in the 70th minute, before Guedes scored the decisive goal just one minute later.

Despite having a numerical advantage after Carlos Soler was sent off in the 88th minute, Barca still could not find a second equalizer. Head coach Flick admitted disappointment over the loss but still saw positives. "The way we played is what I want. We created many opportunities, just unlucky", he said. "There are days you do not understand why you lose, and this was one of those days."

Before the away match against Slavia Prague in Champions League matchday seven on 21/1, the German tactician stated that Barca needs to improve their defensive capabilities, especially their momentary lapses in concentration immediately after equalizing. "We must protect our lead better. Conceding right after equalizing killed the team's spirit. This needs to be fixed, and we will work to improve it", he emphasized.

*Hong Duy (according to ESPN)*