Barcelona face tough test against Real Sociedad after El Clasico setback

Rob Fleming
3 November 2023

Xavi Hernandez during the match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis Balompie, corresponding to the week 16 of the Liga Santander, played at the Camp Nou Stadium, in Barcelona, on 04th Decembe

In a crucial La Liga encounter, Barcelona are gearing up to confront Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena, seeking redemption following their disappointing El Clasico loss.

Despite dominating most of the game, the Catalans were stunned 2-1 thanks to Jude Bellingham's sensational brace, which pushed them four points behind league leaders, Real Madrid.

As it stands, Barcelona currently occupy the fourth position in the La Liga table. Real Sociedad, trailing by five points in fifth place, are determined to bridge the gap in front of their home crowd. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are set to host Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, second-placed Girona will visit Osasuna on Saturday, and Atletico Madrid, in third place, will face Las Palmas on Friday.

After the painful Clasico defeat, Barcelona's coach, Xavi Hernandez, delivered an emphatic message to his players, emphasizing that the season is far from over. "The message is that this is long, it's the 11th game," said Xavi. "We are frustrated, upset, but we have to continue." Xavi drew parallels with last season when champions Barcelona suffered a defeat to Madrid but ultimately secured the title. He expressed confidence that his team was still on the right path, stating, "Last year we lost too, in La Liga there is an eternity to go. We took a step forward in our play, that is what we wanted."

The disappointing Clasico loss could serve as a catalyst for positive change within the Barcelona camp. Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan urged his teammates to exhibit more passion moving forward. He told La Liga TV, "After such a big game and a result that is so unnecessary, I wish for more frustration, more anger, and more disappointment. We need to make a huge step in that because otherwise Real Madrid or even Girona are going to run away (from us)."

In addition to regaining their spirits, Barcelona are welcoming back their injured stars who were either absent or played minimal roles in the Clasico. Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski made appearances off the bench against Madrid but were unable to influence the outcome. The potential returns of Pedri and Jules Kounde could bolster Barcelona against Real Sociedad, though Frenkie de Jong is less likely to feature, as per Spanish reports.

Barcelona's task against Real Sociedad is no walk in the park, especially given their recent impressive record at the Reale Arena. Real Sociedad have shone in the Champions League, topping Group D, and have suffered just two defeats in their 11 league matches. Notably, former Barcelona winger Takefusa Kubo is thriving at Real Sociedad, while Brais Mendez has emerged as one of the league's in-form players.

Despite historical struggles at the Reale Arena, Barcelona have not tasted defeat away to La Real since 2016. However, following the Clasico setback, the Catalans must take heed of Gundogan's warning and remain vigilant, as they can ill afford to drop more points in the ongoing title race.

Barcelona face a stern test against Real Sociedad, looking to bounce back from their El Clasico loss and maintain their pursuit of La Liga glory. The encounter promises to be a thrilling battle as both teams aim to make their mark in the competition.