Nigeria eligible forward, Edna Imade delivered a sensational performance as Real Sociedad shocked defending champions Barcelona Femení 1–0 at the Zubieta Stadium on Sunday, ending the Catalan giants’ unbeaten run in the Spanish Liga F season.
Imade scored the only goal of the encounter from the penalty spot in the 37th minute, halting Barcelona’s 10-match winning streak across all competitions and handing them their first away league defeat since May 2023.
The loss also marked the first time Barcelona failed to score in a league match since January 2020, a remarkable feat that underlines Real Sociedad’s disciplined display.
Edna Imade the Difference as Real Sociedad Claim Famous Victory
Barcelona dominated possession and territory for most of the contest, but Real Sociedad remained compact and resilient.
Against the run of play, the hosts were awarded a penalty when a long throw struck Laia Aleixandri’s arm inside the box.
Imade, showing trademark composure, stepped up to calmly convert the resulting spot-kick past goalkeeper Cata Coll, sealing her seventh goal of the campaign, as one of Liga F’s most clinical forwards.
The Nigerian striker’s decisive contribution handed Real Sociedad a historic victory and snapped Barcelona’s perfect start to the 2025/26 season.
Despite the defeat, Pere Romeu’s side remains top of the Liga F table with 24 points, four ahead of Real Madrid, while Real Sociedad climb to third place on 20 points.
A Season to Remember for Edna Imade
The 25-year-old forward, currently on loan from Bayern Munich Ladies, continues to enhance her growing reputation in Europe.
After netting 16 league goals for Granada last season, she secured a summer move to Germany before returning to Spain on loan to Real Sociedad.
Her consistency and scoring instinct recently earned her the Liga F Player of the Month award for October, standing out of the league’s most influential players.
Real Sociedad will next travel to face Espanyol on November 9, 2025, looking to build on the momentum of their stunning victory over the champions.
Barcelona Left Frustrated Despite Dominance
In the match, Barcelona controlled the game from the onset, with Aitana Bonmatí and Aïcha creating several early openings.
However, Real Sociedad goalkeeper Molina produced key saves to keep the visitors at bay.
Despite late pressure and a disallowed goal from Irene Paredes in stoppage time following an offside review, Barcelona could not find an equaliser.
“Control but no outcome,” read a statement from Barcelona on their dominance but inability to convert possession into goals.
The Catalans will look to bounce back when they host Deportivo Abanca on November 9, while Real Sociedad’s victory will go down as one of the most memorable results in the club’s recent history.
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International Future Still Undecided
Imade’s stellar form has reignited conversations around her international allegiance, with reports suggesting she may be considering a future with Spain.
Speaking on the matter, Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu revealed that efforts have been ongoing to convince the talented forward to represent Nigeria at senior level.
“We’ve been following Edna’s progress closely, just like many of our players overseas.”
“She had an excellent campaign with Granada last season and is already doing well at Real Sociedad,” Madugu said.
“Despite our efforts, including reaching out to her club and through some of our players in Spain, she is yet to make a final decision.”
“Whatever she decides, we respect her choice and wish her the very best.”
Reports in Spain close to the player have indicated that, Imade’s loan move back to Spain was partly motivated by residency requirements necessary to complete her Spanish nationality application.
The Spanish Football Federation is reportedly keen to fast-track her eligibility process.
Nigerian Players Shine Across Spain
Elsewhere in Liga F, Nigerian players were in action across Spain.
At Levante, Kalu Chinyere and Paulina Ali both started in a 4–2 defeat to Costa Adeje Tenerife, while Zipporah Agama was named among the substitutes.
