Ousmane Dembele’s strike, capping a stunning individual performance, helped Barcelona beat Real Sociedad 1-0 on Wednesday and reach the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.
The French forward struck in the 52nd minute to cement the 31-time cup-winners’ record against 10-man La Real after Brice Mendez was sent off late in the first half.
Barcelona have enjoyed a strong start to 2023, winning the Spanish Super Cup and moving three points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, and continuing this in a blistering cup clash.
Real Sociedad of Imanol Alguécil are thrilled in the league, in third place, but are missing experienced playmakers David Silva and Mikel Merino due to injury.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, on his 43rd birthday, led his side to a nervous victory thanks to Dembele.
The coach defended Dembele when he took charge at Barcelona in November 2021, saying with hard work he could become the best winger in the world.
“The most important thing is the mentality that you will make the difference at Barcelona,” Xavi told reporters on Wednesday.
“For me, Dembele is still one of the best in the world in his position. I am happy for him because he is a good guy and a good professional.
“He has changed things and it is not easy at Barca.”
The Catalans were quick off the blocks and Robert Lewandowski’s effort was blocked after Elektra Dembele found him.
Takefusa Kubo at the other end crashed a shot against the crossbar as play ebbed and flowed in entertaining fashion.
Barcelona fans often showed their anger in the first half towards referee Jesus Gil Manzano – he was the official who sent off Lewandowski against Osasuna in November, resulting in a ban that the pole is still serving in La Liga.
However it was Real Sociedad midfielder Mendez who was sent off at the Camp Nou on Wednesday just before half-time.
The Spaniard pounced on Sergio Busquets, catching his compatriot above the ankle with his studs.
decisive dembele
Early in the second half, Barcelona broke the deadlock when Jules Kunde broke down Dembele down the right wing and he went into the box and clipped the ball past Alex Ramiro at the near post.
It was the French forward’s third goal in six games and another indication of his excellent form under Xavi.
Alguécil said, “It is difficult to stop a player from being at this level, in form and on a day like this.”
“We made things way too easy for him in the first half… I think we were scared. If you give Dembele half a meter, you’re screwed.”
Now that Dembele has found a coach who believes in him – and signed a new deal last summer – he has become vital at Barcelona.
“[Dembele]had a great game, we know how great a player he is,” Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo told Movistar.
“He helps us with the goals, he’s making good decisions, that’s the most important thing, something that was probably difficult for him in the beginning.”
Real Sociedad, despite their numerical disadvantage, were battling well and should have equalized when Alexander Sorloth fired in from only a few yards out.
The Norwegian striker had scored five goals in his last six games and looked dazed at his lapse.
After more good work by Dembele, Gavi hit the bar as Barcelona tried and failed to seal the win with a second goal.
“There are many games that we can finish already, we will try to work on that,” said Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde.
“We are in very good form and we just have to get over these situations.”
Barcelona survived a late scare after Marc-Andre ter Stegen gave the ball away, but then pulled off a save from Robert Navarro and made another fine stop to deny John Ander Olasagasti.
Elsewhere Osasuna secured a 2–1 victory over Sevilla in extra time to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2005, when they finished as runners-up to Real Betis.
On Thursday, Real Madrid host Atlético Madrid and Valencia host Athletic Club in the other quarter-finals.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)