Barcelona’s 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad at Anoeta on Sunday night marked their first defeat at this stadium since 2016. Missing key players, the Catalan giants struggled to create momentum or break down Sociedad’s organized defense.
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Stars like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha were unable to make a significant impact, resulting in Barcelona’s first scoreless outing in over three decades.
The visibly fatigued squad will now look to the upcoming international break to regroup and regain form after this defeat.
The match saw a lively start with both sides testing each other’s defense. Barcelona initially thought they’d secured an early lead when Lewandowski found the net, but VAR ruled him narrowly offside, nullifying the goal.
Motivated by the close call, Real Sociedad raised their game. On the half-hour mark, Takefusa Kubo came close to opening the scoring, only to be denied by a sharp save from Inaki Pena.
Moments later, Sheraldo Becker finally put Sociedad ahead, taking advantage of a defensive lapse to fire a low shot into the bottom corner past Pena.
Barcelona’s fatigue showed as the game progressed, with La Real controlling the tempo and denying Barca any meaningful chances. The Basque side continued to press and capitalized on Barcelona’s errors, effectively stifling the Catalans’ attempts to find an equalizer.
Sociedad’s solid performance was capped by Kubo, whose influential play earned him the Player of the Match honors. This well-deserved win for Sociedad leaves Barcelona heading into the international break with much to work on.
Barcelona Player Ratings (4-2-3-1)
- Inaki Pena (GK) – 6/10: Inconsistent performance, made some key saves but struggled under pressure.
- Jules Kounde (RB) – 5/10: Struggled against La Real’s attack, often left isolated on the right.
- Pau Cubarsi (CB) – 5/10: Shaky defensively, struggled to contain Becker’s pace.
- Inigo Martinez (CB) – 6/10: Slower than usual, misplaced key passes under pressure.
- Alejandro Balde (LB) – 5/10: Outplayed by Kubo and inaccurate with crosses.
- Marc Casado (DM) – 6/10: Showed more confidence after halftime but didn’t assert himself in duels.
- Frenkie de Jong (DM) – 4/10: Looked off pace and exited at halftime due to fitness issues.
- Fermin Lopez (RW) – 4/10: Minimal impact, struggled to create chances.
- Pedri (AM) – 6/10: Shifted to the left in the second half, played more defensively.
- Raphinha (LW) – 6/10: Limited service, couldn’t threaten Sociedad’s defense.
- Robert Lewandowski (ST) – 5/10: Early goal disallowed, barely involved afterward.
Substitutes
- Dani Olmo (45′ for De Jong) – 5/10
- Ansu Fati (68′ for Lopez) – 6/10
- Gavi (84′ for Kounde) – N/A
- Pau Victor (90′ for Pedri) – N/A
Manager
- Hansi Flick – 5/10
Real Sociedad Player Ratings (4-4-2)
- Alex Remiro (GK) – 7/10: Displayed great reflexes, remained composed and denied Barca with timely saves.
- Hamari Traore (RB) – 7/10: Solid defensively and effective in tracking Raphinha, helped stifle Barca’s attacks.
- Robin Le Normand (CB) – 8/10: Led Sociedad’s backline with authority, making key interceptions to deny Lewandowski and Raphinha.
- Igor Zubeldia (CB) – 7/10: A composed performance, worked well with Le Normand to shut down Barca’s forwards.
- Aihen Munoz (LB) – 7/10: Matched Lopez’s runs effectively and limited Barcelona’s wing play.
- Brais Mendez (RM) – 7/10: Covered defensively and supported Kubo in attack, showing strong work rate.
- Martin Zubimendi (CM) – 8/10: Dominated the midfield with calm, precise passing and excellent positioning.
- Mikel Merino (CM) – 7/10: Great control in midfield, disrupted Barca’s attempts to build play, crucial in both defense and attack.
- Takefusa Kubo (LM) – 9/10: Electric throughout, posed a constant threat down the wing and nearly scored; deservedly named Player of the Match.
- Ander Barrenetxea (ST) – 6/10: Worked hard to create space and stretch Barca’s defense, though without a shot on target.
- Sheraldo Becker (ST) – 8/10: Clinched the winning goal with a composed finish and tormented Barca’s defense with his pace.
Substitutes
- Jon Pacheco (85′ for Munoz) – N/A
- Carlos Fernandez (90′ for Barrenetxea) – N/A
- Benat Turrientes (90′ for Mendez) – N/A
Manager
- Imanol Alguacil – 8/10: His tactical setup and substitution timing were spot-on, allowing Sociedad to stifle Barca and secure a deserved victory.
This result leaves Barcelona with much to address over the international break as they prepare to regain their form.
