It was 1994/95 when Real Sociedad last visited the Camp Nou and managed not to lose against Barcelona. On that day, La Real returned back home with a point after a 1-1 draw in La Liga, and on Saturday night, they were once again pretty close but the Catalan team ultimately prevailed.
After this big 2-1 victory against a tough opponent, Barcelona now have to secure six more points in the remaining five games, which means that victories against Alavés and Levante will see them lift the trophy once again. Of course, they must also bear in mind that the Champions Leauge semi-finals against Liverpool is looming just around the corner.
But Real Sociedad made sure Barcelona indeed worked extremely hard to earn these three points, and this tactical analysis will dissect the game to see what truly transpired in the Catalan capital.
Lineups
Barcelona (4-3-3)
Starting XI: Ter Stegen Semedo, Piqué, Lenglet, Alba Vidal, Rakitić, Arthur Messi, Suárez, Dembélé
Bench: Cillessen, Umtiti, Aleñá, Coutinho, Sergi, Busquets, Malcom
Coach: Ernesto Valverde
Real Sociedad (4-3-3)
Starting XI: Gero Rulli Zaldua, Aritz, Llorente, Muñoz Merino, Zubeldia, Pardo, Oyarzabal Juanmi, Willian
Bench: Moyá, Gorosabel, Raúl Navas, Sangalli, Barrenetxea, Bautista, Sandro
Coach: Imanol Alguacil
Barcelona’s setup
There are only really three positions Ernesto Valverde rotates on a regular basis and week in, week out, those three positions are the centre of speculation. If the Basque coach indeed decides to rotate he does so at the right-back position, in midfield and on the left wing.
This game was no exception as Nélson Semedo returned to the starting lineup after Sergi Roberto was chosen in the Champions League fixture against Manchester United. Arturo Vidal found himself on the team sheet in front of Sergio Busquets, who got a much-needed rest, and Ousmane Dembélé was once again in the starting XI after a longer spell of recovery.
The rest of the team was unchang
