Sometimes, a big team will have an off day and drop points.
Sometimes, that team drops points due to misfortune or bad luck.
On other occasions, they’re outclassed on the day — this is what happened when Barcelona met Real Sociedad this past weekend and dropped their second set of three points in La Liga this season at Reale Arena.
Txuri-urdin ended the game as 1-0 winners, having taken 13 shots to Barca’s 10.
Crucially, six of Real Sociedad’s shots were on target to Barcelona’s resounding zero.
This tactical analysis highlights Imanol Alguacils tactics behind Txuri-urdin’s victory over FC Barcelona.
We will focus on Imanol Alguacil’s high-pressing approach and how it greatly disturbed Hansi Flick’s sides rhythm.
Real Sociedad Vs Barcelona Lineups

First, let’s review both teams respective starting XI on Sunday.
Imanol Alguacil Formation
Hosts Real Sociedad lined up in a base 4-1-4-1 shape with Álex Remiro between the sticks behind right-back Jon Aramburu, right centre-back Igor Zubeldía, left centre-back Nayef Aguerd and left-back Aihen Muñoz.



![Lazio Vs Napoli [0–2] – Serie A 2025/2026: How Antonio Conte Tactics Exploited Structural Flaws – Tactical Analysis 5 Lazio Vs Napoli [0–2] – Serie A 2025/2026: Maurizio Sarri Zonal Marking Weaknesses And Unsuccessful Attacking Choices – Tactical Analysis](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Lazio-Vs-Napoli-tactical-analysis--350x250.png)
![Manchester City Vs Chelsea [1–1] – Premier League 2025/2026: How Chelsea Held Firm After Enzo Maresca Exit – Tactical Analysis 6 Man City 1-1 Chelsea - tactical analysis (1)](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Man-City-1-1-Chelsea-tactical-analysis-1-350x250.png)

![Espanyol Vs Barcelona [0–2] – La Liga 2025/2026: How Barça Survived The Derbi Barceloní – Tactical Analysis 8 Espanyol Barcelona Vs FC Barcelona La Liga 20252026](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Espanyol-Barcelona-Vs-FC-Barcelona-La-Liga-20252026-1-350x250.png)
