La Liga – Barça go back in pain against Real Sociedad

Failing to be reassured, FC Barcelona has taken a big step towards qualifying for the future Champions League. After two defeats in a row at the Camp Nou, in all competitions, the Blaugrana won in pain, and with the smallest of margins, on the lawn of Real Sociedad (0-1). A goal from Pierre Emerick Aubameyang was enough for Xavi’s men, who suffered badly in the second half against a direct competitor. In the standings, Barça goes back to second place.

After two unfortunate setbacks at home, FC Barcelona had to react. And it must be recognized that the Catalan club responded to criticism with the result, much less with the way. It is indeed a two-faced Barça who got rid of a Real Sociedad team that was too clumsy in its many highlights. Solid before the break, Xavi’s players were able to count, once again, on the efficiency of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. Served on a plateau by a clever pass from Ferran Torres, the striker only had to touch the ball with his head to score his 11th goal in 14 matches (0-1, 11th).

A small Barça, an immense pain

The following ? The Blaugrana were heckled copiously, knowing that there was damage behind. Ronald Araujo (55th) then Dani Alves (66th) had to give up their place for physical glitches, while Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba also suffered physically and gritted their teeth. However, Real Sociedad failed to take advantage of it, being too imprecise in the last few meters to hope for a good result. Alexander Isak notably missed a 1-1 ball just before the break (43rd), while Marc-André Ter Stegen was decisive against Alexander Sorloth (58th) and Adnan Januzaj (68th). The Barça goalkeeper was also elected man of the match, which is not a sign of domination on the part of his team.

There was plenty of room to do better for the Basques, and we have to admit that FC Barcelona is doing very, very well with regard to the face of the game. Xavi will be satisfied with it, since it allows to put out the fire and to get closer to the still possible objective: a direct qualification for the future Champions League. Once again dolphin of Real Madrid, at fifteen lengths, Barça is tied on points with Sevilla FC, but has one game less. Suffice to say that it smells good, despite everything.