Barcelona’s four shortcomings against Real Sociedad that angered Xavi – report

For large parts on Saturday night at Anoeta, Barcelona were outplayed by their hosts Real Sociedad. However, a stoppage-time header from Ronald Araujo ensured that the Blaugrana came away with a crucial victory.

The result was of great importance, more so considering that Real Madrid ended up dropping points against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

However, despite the positive outcome, Barça manager Xavi Hernandez was not entirely pleased with the performance of his players, considering how Sociedad were able to play around them for long phases.

Fernando Polo of Mundo Deportivo outlines the four shortcomings of the Barcelona side that angered Xavi the most on Saturday night.

The horrible start

Within the first three minutes, Barça conceded three turnovers with Gavi, Joao Cancelo, and Jules Kounde being the guilty parties, and it was a significant threat.

The interception of Kounde’s pass by Mikel Oyarzabal in the box was particularly concerning, and Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen had to deliver his best performance to deal with it again, having already saved a shot from Ander Barrenetxea in the first minute.

Poor and disorganised pressing

Real Sociedad applied significant pressure when Barcelona had possession near their box. Barça made attempts to press but the intensity was severely lacking, and players such as Joao Felix, Robert Lewandowski, and Cancelo were not giving their all.

Additionally, there were instances when there was considerable space between the Catalans’ midfield and forwards, allowing La Real to come out comfortably.

Little intensity in the duels

After the game, Xavi stated that Barcelona lacked “intensity,” which he deemed as “unacceptable.” The team lost numerous balls and battles, not helped by Alberola Rojas’ lenient refereeing.

In particular, Sociedad’s Mikel Merino, Brais Méndez, and Martin Zubimendi outplayed Gavi, Fermín Lopez, and Ilkay Gundogan. Joao Felix and Lewandowski also struggled in duels, none of which pleased the Barcelona manager.

Goal threat only late in the game

The team lacked the necessary cutting edge to secure a comfortable victory. Barcelona failed to get a clear shot on goal for the entire 90 minutes, which is a cause for concern. During the first half, Fermin Lopez only managed a weak shot, whereas Real Sociedad forced Ter Stegen into a string of saves.

Lewandowski and Joao Félix were unable to create any concrete chances, while Cancelo, playing as a winger against Real Sociedad, shot over the goal.

The first shot on target in the second half only came in the 90th minute, from Ronald Araujo, from outside the penalty area. In the 91st minute, Gavi was unable to score against Alex Remiro in a one-on-one situation. It was not until the 92nd minute that Araujo scored with a header, resulting in a 0-1 scoreline.