FC Barcelona went into the Anoeta Stadium expecting a tough encounter with Real Sociedad. Ultimately, the Catalan giants were not disappointed and were met with a classy La Real performance. In terms of displays alone, the home team was far better than Barcelona on the night.
However, the difference makers for La Blaugrana ended up making their mark. Ilkay Gundogan and Ronald Araujo combined to give Barcelona all three points with a goal at the end. Yet, none of that would have been possible without the constant heroics of Marc Andre Ter Stegen.
Ter Stegen’s heroics
The German goalkeeper assumed his role as the Barcelona captain and led by example. Six exemplary saves allowed the shot-stopper to keep Sociedad at bay. Moreover, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, he even ended up breaking two very special streaks for Barça’s opponents.
Sociedad’s goals falter
Prior to this game, Real Sociedad had consecutively scored in their last 14 games at home. In each of those games, La Real managed to find the back of the net at least once. However, that streak has now been ended by the heroics of Ter Stegen. His display won many Barcelona hearts, but simultaneously broke many Txuriurdin ones.
Unbeaten no more
Another major streak that Ter Stegen helped Barcelona take away from Sociedad was their unbeaten run at home. Over the last 17 home games in a row, La Real had not tasted defeat. With this 1-0 loss against La Blaugrana, Imanol Alguacil’s side will be left distraught having lost another important streak of theirs.
Moreover, even the German goalkeeper himself continues to add to his great tally. This game counts as his 8th clean sheet of the season. With 15 games played, more than half have been clean sheets for the Barcelona captain.
His current best tally of clean sheets was 28 in the previous 2022/23 season. That tally remains a great reminder of the record-breaking season that he had. However, he could potentially overtake his own personal best during this campaign if he continues to add to his 8 clean sheets moving forward.