A team considered to be among the giants of Europe, Barcelona goes into every game labeled as favorites. However, it is just as worrying to see the Catalan giants struggle against their opponents at times. In the recent game against Real Sociedad, the Blaugranes left many worrying signs.
Following the game, despite the last-minute winner, it seemed that Xavi Hernandez was not entirely happy. In a game where Barça wanted to mark a resurgence following the defeat in El Clasico, the Catalan giants were thoroughly outplayed.
To specify their weaknesses, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has highlighted them. These are the four main concerns and issues with the performance given by Barcelona at the Anoeta Stadium against La Real.
Barcelona looked toothless
For much of the game, Barcelona produced next to nothing in terms of attacking threat. Either outplayed by Sociedad’s tactics or simply just losing their own moments to shine, Barcelona’s attack felt blunt. On one hand, Real Sociedad constantly thwarted the Barcelona goal.
On the other hand, Barça seemed to lack any offensive threat at all at points. The only point where they began to create truly dangerous chances came after the 90th-minute mark. For a club of Barça’s stature, coupled with their attacking philosophy, this was a particularly worrying assessment.
Low on intensity
Normally characterized as an active and tenacious side, Barcelona were neither on the night. Constantly out-maneuvered by Sociedad’s talented stars, Barcelona looked nothing like they do at their best.
This lack of intensity allowed La Real to win significant duels and turn them into great chances. Barça, on the other hand, were responsible themselves for a lot of attacks that Sociedad managed to inflict upon them.
Disoriented press
Pressing in modern-day football is an art in its own right. A proper press that is both coordinated and systematic can help teams suffocate their opponents. For Barcelona, it is a key element of their ideal style of play.
Against Real Sociedad, however, it felt nothing like it does at its best. An uneven pressing structure left many spaces that Sociedad managed to exploit without much difficulty. For Xavi, this game will be a real eye-opener in terms of the flaws within his system.
Worrying start
From the first minute, Barcelona were already on the defensive. Real Sociedad gave the Catalan giants no room to breathe or do anything worth commending.
A barrage of constant attacks from La Real ensured that Ter Stegen had to be on his toes from the very start. In terms of offensive danger created, Sociedad may very well have a good claim on having deserved more than a loss against Barcelona.
