Real Sociedad 0-1 Barcelona: Match Review and Player Ratings

After two consecutive defeats, Xavi’s Barcelona sought to prove to the world that their dream run was no fluke. The game at Reale Arena saw them pitted against Real Sociedad on the night, and only a win would see them return to second place on the league standings.

Gerard Pigue returned to the starting lineup alongside Ronald Araujo at centre-back. Dani Alves resumed duties at the right-back position, with Jordi Alba on the opposite flank.

The midfield consisted of the same trio as the game against Cadiz. In attack, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang replaced Memphis Depay as the striker.

The game began with a scare for Marc Andre ter Stegen who cleared the ball straight into Alexander Isak’s shin. Luckily for the Blaugranas, it fell away from the goal.

In just the 11th minute, Aubameyang gave Barcelona the lead over the Basque side. Dembele’s shot off Alba’s cross struck the post before Gavi sent the rebound towards Ferran Torres. The Spaniard calmly chipped the ball across the face of the goal to the striker who buried the shot into the netting.

Less than five minutes later, Xavi’s side were back on the attack again. Dani Alves laid a well-worked cross for Torres who could not make the best use of his chance.

Barcelona’s dominant first half continued over the next half an hour. In the 28th minute, Frenkie de Jong had the chance to test the goalkeeper but failed to get the better of Remiro. A couple of close chances in the 38th minute saw the Catalans continue to impress as the first half ended 1-0 in their favour.

The second period began with the hosts on the front foot. Real Sociedad seemed set to equalise in the 48th minute when Sorloth was left free in front of the goal. However, he, unfortunately, fired the ball well over the crossbar.

Dani Alves complained of discomfort and was forced off in the 66th minute. Sergino Dest replaced the Brazilian.

At the hour mark, Marc Andre ter Stegen was tested by the Basque forwards. Janujaz proved to be a real menace in the final third, but the German came out on top on both occasions.

The second goal for Barcelona was in the writing in the 73rd minute when Torres found Gavi free in the Sociedad area. The youngster had the goal begging at his mercy but could not find the finish.

The visitors suffered a 94th-minute scare when the referee walked to the VAR monitor to check for a potential penalty for the hosts. However, play soon resumed after the protests were waved away.

Player Ratings

Gerard Pique: 8/10

The Barcelona captain returned with a solid performance that showed why the Blaugrana defence was so dependent on him. On the night, he recorded six clearances, three tackles and blocked one shot.

Ferran Torres: 7.5/10

The Spaniard does not need to score goals to make an impact on the game. His ability off the ball and creativity when in possession make him an irreplaceable member of the team. At San Sebastian, he got one assist, had two shots off target, three key passes, and created two big chances.

Frenkie de Jong: 8/10

All eyes were on the Dutchman after Pedri’s injury, and he did not disappoint. De Jong completed the game with 95% pass accuracy, three key passes, two long balls, three shots, and two successful dribbles. He was the key figure carrying the ball forward for the Blaugranas and was at the centre of every Catalan attack.

Jordi Alba: 6/10

At the Reale Arena, Alba had a surprisingly quiet game. The Spaniard was neither involved heavily in attack nor completed the game with many defensive contributions under his belt.