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27 Sports Sunday, September 16, 2018 Barca fight back to beat Real Sociedad after Atletico held Borja Garces equalises with virtually the last kick of the game MADRID: Barcelona came from behind to beat Real Stegen. Within minutes, they were behind, as two Sociedad yesterday as Atletico Madrid lost further crosses caused havoc in Real Sociedad’s defence, with ground in the La Liga title race by drawing at home to Suarez and Dembele perfectly placed to pounce. Barca Eibar. Seven points is now the gap between Atleti and coach Ernesto Valverde had made the surprise decision Barca, who were in danger of slipping up themselves to omit Sergio Busquets from his starting line-up, pre- when Aritz Elustondo put Real Sociedad in front at sumably with Tuesday’s Champions League opener Anoeta. against PSV Eindhoven in mind. But the hosts missed a series of excellent chances But it was testament to the hosts’ performance that and paid the price, as two goals in three minutes from Busquets was called upon in the second period after Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele clinched a hard- Philippe Coutinho had also been introduced at half- fought 2-1 win. “The league is defined by these kind of time. “In the first half they closed us down well but games,” Suarez said afterwards. “Last year we also Philippe coming on in the second half helped changed came back from 2-0 after many years without winning the dynamics,” Suarez said. here. The reaction says a lot about this team.” Simeone might also have liked to keep one eye on Atletico rallied too, Borja Garces equalising with vir- their Champions League game against Monaco on tually the last kick of the game, but there were no cele- Tuesday, but a victory was much-needed following brations at the Wanda Metropolitano.
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