News
MAR 12.11.2024
Hansi Flick’s FC Barcelona travelled to the Reale Arena for Sunday’s clash against Real Sociedad in superb form, but they were defeated 1-0 by the Basque side, who put together the perfect performance. That shows how explosive the FC Barcelona attack usually is and how well Real Sociedad did to deny them on Sunday night at the Reale strike proving to be the game’s only goal. The defensive effort of the home team was superb, as they kept Barça without a shot on target, something that hadn’t happened in this competition since a Málaga CF vs FC Barcelona match at La Rosaleda in 2014.
The Basque outfit managed to keep Barça at bay by pressing high up the pitch, preventing the league leaders from playing out from the back comfortably. This helped starve their talented forwards of possession, while La Real kept winning the ball in their opponents’ half. The home team turned in an impressive physical display to overpower FC Barcelona. Besides the opening 25 minutes, Real Sociedad completely dominated and Los Azulgranas never looked like taking the three points.
Six shots on target vs zero
FC Barcelona did shoot 11 times, but never managed to register a shot on target across the entire game, whereas Imanol Alguacil’s side had multiple chances to score. Although their forwards couldn’t take those chances, with Iñaki Peña making some stops, the home side’s first-half goal proved enough to win.
Los Azulgranas couldn’t find a way to move through Real Sociedad’s coordinated press, with Martín Zubimendi always assuming excellent positioning in the centre of the pitch. Meanwhile, Take Kubo blocked off passing routes and managed to pinch the ball high up the pitch, while Sheraldo Becker provided pace as he ran from behind. All of this combined to fluster FC Barcelona, with Becker managing to take the chance that truly mattered to deliver a memorable victory for the Basque club.
FC Barcelona’s first game without a goal this season
This was the first time in the 13 matchdays of the 2024/25 LALIGA EA SPORTS season that Barça failed to find the back of the net. They had always netted at least one goal, but couldn’t keep that scoring run going against Real Sociedad. Even looking across all competitions, it’s the Catalan outfit’s first game this term without a goal.
They remain league leaders and have 40 goals total so far this league campaign, averaging 3.08 goals per game. That shows how explosive the FC Barcelona attack usually is and how well Real Sociedad did to deny them on Sunday night at the Reale Arena.
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