Real Sociedad vs. FC Barcelona – LaLiga Match Review – 15 Sep 2018

Real Sociedad vs FC Barcelona

Laliga 2018-19 

Match Review

FC Barcelona had kick-started the new season with a 3-0 win over Alaves with Messi and Coutinho scoring and everyone trying to fit in including the newcomers Arthur Melo and Vidal.

This was followed by an indifferent display against Valladolid which saw them come off with a narrow 1-0 win. On a ground that was peeling off like pastry, the disjointed Barca was saved by a Dembele goal. 

Then came the new boys of LaLiga - Huesca who had been impressive in their first 2 games and were known to attack without fear. While they did very well against the title holders initially, their attacking football proved to be their downfall as Barca took full advantage of the spaces and scored at will to register a thumping 8-2 win.

With such a mixed kind of form, Barca visited the tricky Anoeta to take on one of their traditional tormentors – Real Sociedad. Valverde decided to go in with a completely new and untested midfield of Rafinha, Sergi Roberto and Rakitic, which totally defied logic.

While Rafinha was ineffective, Sergi was lost as Semedo failed to link up with him. Rakitic was forced to defend deep along with Pique and Umtiti as Sociedad attacked with purpose.

Messi was completely isolated with no midfield to pass the ball while the misfiring Suarez had very less service from the team. During the first half I felt like I was watching the 2018 world cup team of Argentina

Dembele, starting on the right was unconvincing and gave away the ball easily, putting the already tensed back 4 under more pressure. Alba was frustrated as Dembele rarely anticipated his moves or passes.

A foul by Sergi resulted in a free kick and the persistence of Sociedad paid off as they went in front thanks to a left footed rocket from Aritz that found its mark. The boisterous crowd of Anoeta egged their team on, as Barca was all at sea. Pique missed a couple of easy headers from corner kicks, which is becoming an annoying routine.  Ter Stegen brought off a good save against Juanmi.

It was a messed up first half for FC Barcelona as Real Sociedad had the upper hand.

The 2^nd half saw some sanity return to the Barca team as Sergio Busquets and Coutinho were introduced instead of Semedo and Rafinha. Coutinho started linking up with Messi and Rakitic who returned to the midfield while Busquets calmed the nerves of his teammates with his solidity. In the meantime, Real Sociedad attacked at regular intervals as Barca’s defense continued to break under pressure.

Coutinho, Messi, Busquets and Rakitic got more involved in the game and Barcelona started to press with more intent. Coutinho and Messi forced saves as Sociedad defended with all their might. Illaramendi (who was already on a yellow card) escaped a red card despite several rough tackles.  Luis Suarez and Dembele failed to capitalize on the passes that came in from the more effective midfield.

For Sociedad, there were a few clear-cut chances with Juanmi and Theo Hernandez getting ahead of everyone, with just the goalkeeper to beat. But the super Barca keeper Ter Stegen rose to the occasion like a warrior and managed to salvage the situation with his sensational saves. He kept Barca alive.

Finally, Barcelona managed to get even as Sociedad’s defense messed up a corner kick and the ball fell kindly to Luis Suarez. A quick Suarez finished off to make it 1-1. In about two minutes, Barca got another corner and Sociedad again failed to clear the ball. An unmarked Dembele managed a powerful shot that bounced off a couple off defenders and found the net. Out of nowhere, Barca was up 2-1.

Luckily for Barca It stayed that way till the end. It was a hard fought and scrappy 2-1 win and that keeps FC Barcelona at the top of the League table.

Still wondering how Barcelona managed to come away with a win and just cannot comprehend how Juanmi missed those sitters.

Coming to the tactics of Valverde, it doesn’t make any sense to make so many changes against a traditionally tough opponent at their home ground.

To bench Busquets and Coutinho together almost proved catastrophic for Barca. Thanks to the heroics of Ter Stegen, Barcelona kept the damage to a minimum. While all the players who came in were good, it would take time for everyone to gel in.

Pique and Umtiti look set at the back. But Pique had been missing way too many headers from corner kicks. 

Rafinha is used to playing with the old Barca when the likes of Iniesta were still around. He had not played much with the current set. It would be better to introduce him as a substitute in less pressure situations. Once he sets into the team, then he could be an alternate for Busquets or Rakitic or Coutinho.

Semedo currently is not good up front on the right. He is better as a defender and needs to get back into his groove. His passing has to definitely improve.

Despite playing regularly and getting some important goals as well as assists, Dembele still poses a problem. It’s important to determine a suitable position for him. Though he makes good runs forward, he tends to give away the ball easily. His anticipation and decision making is totally off.  He needs to be utilized properly.

Luis Suarez has had a frustrating start and most of his goals have been scrappy. He had been missing good chances and his first touch in most cases were very disappointing. But this is one guy who never gives up and hope he gets into form soon.

Talented, newcomer Langlet needs more time at least in La Liga games which would give a good alternative for Barca along with Vermaelen. Similarly, the confident and skilled Arthur also needs to be used regularly as he could develop into a key player for Barca.

With Champions League kicking off, it is going to be a tough time for FC Barcelona. The biggest problem is that Barcelona is yet to come up with the right combination of players. 

Truly hope that they do not waste the colossal talents of one little genius and let another year slip by in the name of experimentation and building for the future.