Barca Blaugranes - La Liga: FC Barcelona vs Real Sociedad: Full Match Coverage#GraciesTitohttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47187/barca-fave.png2013-09-25T22:19:11+02:00http://www.barcablaugranes.com/rss/stream/45291472013-09-25T22:19:11+02:002013-09-25T22:19:11+02:00Player Ratings: Barcelona 4-1 Real Sociedad
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<figcaption>David Ramos</figcaption>
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<p>A detailed, player-by-player breakdown of Barcelona's 4-1 La Liga win over Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou on Tuesday evening</p> <p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Victor Valdés</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.2</i></td>
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<td style="vertical-align: top; font-size: 12px;" colspan="2">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>30</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>12</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>92%</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots Faced: </span><span class="statwords"><b>5</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Saves Made: </span><span class="statwords"><b>4</b></span>
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<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>7.0</i></b></span>
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<span> </span>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Compared to the previous game against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/rayo-vallecano">Rayo Vallecano</a> Valdes had a slow day. But after consecutive clean sheets Valdes wasn't able to keep his net untarnished against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/real-sociedad">Real Sociedad</a>. Quickly after kickoff he was lucky that Haris Seferović's shot hit the crossbar as he could do nothing to keep that one out had it been on goal. Also wasn't able to do anything on the Alberto De la Bella goal. But Valdes still finished the game with four saves, and with most his passes being of the short variety his pass success rate wasn't embarrassingly low as in the past few games.</p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110098/dani-alves">Dani Alves</a></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.7</i></td>
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<td style="vertical-align: top; font-size: 12px;" colspan="2">
<div class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>110</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>89</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90%</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>4</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0/0</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>5</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Interceptions: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
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<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>7.5</i></b></span>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">Alves had an impressive game both on offense and defense. He led the team with five tackles and overall looked in good position throughout the game. But his biggest contribution in the game came in attack where he was very involved. Very rarely dispossessed Alves connected well with Alexis and Messi, and always seemed to be open for a pass. He also managed to send two crosses (which is about two more than usual) into the danger area, one of them would've been classified as an assist if Alexis had a tiny bit of luck in the last minute of the game.</p>
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<p> </p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110855/gerard-pique">Gerard Pique</a></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>5.7</i></td>
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<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>73</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>53</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>98%</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Interceptions: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Clearances: </span><span class="statwords"><b>11</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Aerial Duels Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
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<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>6.5</i></b></span>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">Pique put in another frustrating performance. Not tested much in the first half he was able to drift forward on a few occasions where his passing really shined, but in the second half, when Barça took their foot of the gas, he was quickly exposed. On La Real's goal he ran himself out of position which allowed Imanol Agirretxe to make a perfect cross to De La Balla. It might have been the only mistake he made all game, but it was a glaring one, and it's very worrying that he makes one of them in just about every game.</p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110053/javier-mascherano" class="sbn-auto-link">Javier Mascherano</a></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.0</i></td>
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<td style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;" colspan="2">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>35</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>34</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>30</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>83%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Interceptions: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Clearances: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Aerial Duels Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan says:</b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i> 6.5</i></b></span>
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</div>
<div align="justify">
<p class="MsoNormal">The game didn't go as planned for Mascherano. Only three minutes into the game he was hit studs-first just above the knee by his own teammate, Busquets. The Argentinian did return to the game, but it was noticeable that he wasn't his usual self. He wasn't necessarily tested much until the 35th minute when he was substituted because of a hamstring injury, but it was clear that Mascherano looked uncomfortable on the pitch.</p>
<p></p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><span>Adriano Correia</span></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.3</i></td>
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<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>89</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>67</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>93%</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Interceptions: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
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<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><i><b>6.5</b></i></span>
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<div align="justify">
<p class="MsoNormal">Unlike in previous games Adriano was this time very offensively oriented and he linked up very well with Neymar. His passing was crisp and on target, and because Real Sociedad has so little possession he didn't need to worry about the defense. In the second half he pulled back a little bit and similarly to Pique he too struggled when Sociedad come forward. Even though Pique will get the major share of blame on De La Bella's goal Adriano was also at fault there as he first mistimed his jump to clear the post and then failed to cover for Pique's mistake and block the shot.</p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><span>Sergio Busquets</span></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.6</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>103</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>92</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>93%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>4</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Interceptions: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2/1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Aerial Duels Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Sam says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><i><b>8.0</b></i></span>
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</div>
<div align="justify">
<p class="MsoNormal">Aside from his normal passing excellence, Busquets also showed he had an eye for goal tonight with a great strike on the edge of the area that curled into the right corner of the Sociedad goal. What is most impressive is that the Spaniard managed to keep the ball low and didn’t blast it over the bar. As usual, his passing statistics remained impeccably high reaching 92% pass success rate, although Busquets didn’t perform as well in some of his defensive duties and should’ve done more to prevent Sociedad’s goal. Possibly the most disappointing part of his game tonight was his accidental collision with Javier Mascherano that forced the defender off the field.</p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Xavi</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.7</i></td>
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<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>131</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>118</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>96%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0/0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers:</span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Sam says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>7.0</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Often see in the opposition box, Xavi may feel a little disappointed that he didn’t manage a shot on goal but nonetheless his passing helped Barça win the match. 96% passes success rate and three key passes with over 100 total passes, tiki-taka continues to have its star pupil in Xavi Hernández. What’s also impressive is any sign of serious fatigue, considering Xavi, who is now 33 years old, has played nearly every match this season.</p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
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</td>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Andres Iniesta</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.6</i></td>
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<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>114</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>99</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>93%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1/0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Sam says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>7.0</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div align="justify">
<p class="MsoNormal">Yet to find his best this season, Iniesta can be pleased with another good performance this season that will keep the harsh critics off his back for a little while. Part of a breathtaking piece of skill that involved himself, Xavi and Messi on the edge of Sociedad’s, Iniesta continues to show his immense ball control while his passing accuracy remained well over the average of most European playmakers. But having contributed no assists or goals this season in La Liga, Iniesta will be looking to bounce back this weekend away at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/almeria">Almería</a>.</p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110173/alexis-sanchez">Alexis Sánchez</a></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.1</i></td>
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<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>53</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>35</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>83%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: </span><span class="statwords"><b>5/0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>7.0</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">Five shots, not a single one on target; did Pedro’s hat-trick affect Alexis’ confidence? Was he just unlucky? No matter which way you look at it, it’s difficult not to be disappointed with Sánchez’ goal output, especially when he’s presented with multiple scoring chances. Still, looking at the positives, Alexis complements Neymar and Messi brilliantly – just look at his low cross for Neymar’s goal and his "dummy run" for Messi’s. That’s exactly the kind of play that we don’t get from Pedro, cementing the Chilean’s place in the team.</p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi" class="sbn-auto-link">Lionel Messi</a></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>8.1</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>81</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>92</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>67</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>96%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: </span><span class="statwords"><b>8/4</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>6</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers: </span><span class="statwords"><b>6</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>8.0</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div align="justify">
<p class="MsoNormal">On another night, Messi would have scored twice, three times or possibly even more; yesterday he ended up with one – and some people are disappointed. I guess that speaks volumes as to how high Messi has set the bar with his recent performances. Overall, that goal – a well-taken header, as the Argentine somehow ghosted into the area unmarked, even if he is the best player on the planet – was one better than he achieved against Rayo Vallecano, and as such, it was an improvement from Leo. Maybe he could have improved his ball retention, but really it was a great performance from our superstar.</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Neymar</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>8.5</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>74</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>63</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>45</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>93%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: </span><span class="statwords"><b>3/2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>4</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>4</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says: 9</b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>.0</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">One goal, one assist; this was easily Neymar’s most productive La Liga appearance to date, against arguably one of his toughest opponents. All night long, Neymar toyed with Dani Estrada and displayed several sides to his game in his time on the field. He could score gritty goals, deliver superlative crosses, dribble past opponents, draw fouls; Neymar literally did it all. And he was remarkably efficient too; while Messi does and can lose the ball quite often in some matches (like last night), Neymar rarely turns the ball over and completes an incredible percentage of his passes given the complexity and difficulty of both his attempted passes and his role in the system.</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><span>Marc Bartra</span></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.2</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>55</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>44</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>34</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>100%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Interceptions: </span><span class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Clearances: </span><span class="statwords"><b>4</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>8.0</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">Bartra replaced first-half injury casualty, Javier Mascherano, and looked right at home in the centre of the Barça defense. In fact, Bartra probably out-performed Gerard Piqué. He was solid at the back, impressively cool in possession and somehow, Bartra was also rather predatory in front of goal, popping up in the right place to grab himself a rare goal. More of the same please Marc!</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Pedro</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.3</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>16</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>11</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>9</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>100%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1/0</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>N/A</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">After a hat-trick at the weekend, expectations were high for Pedro heading into this match, only for the Spaniard to start on the bench. He was just as quiet off it too, barely seeing enough action in his late cameo to warrant a full rating from me.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><span>Sergi Roberto</span></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.5</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>9</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>18</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>15</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>87%</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>N/A</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sergi replaced Lionel Messi in the centre of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> attack, even if he had limited (no?) experience there before. I was impressed, but didn't see enough to warrant a full rating.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">The Team</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.9</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>799</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>93%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: </span><span class="statwords"><b>23/9</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>23</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Aerial Battles Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>55%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won/Committed: </span><span class="statwords"><b>12/6</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>8.5</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">Real Sociedad were supposed to be tough, they were supposed to be a test; if they were, FC Barcelona passed with flying colours. Not quite an A+ performance, there were a few negatives (the goal) but it was almost all positive, particularly in the first-half. Neymar, Messi, Busquets; Sociedad couldn’t cope with Barcelona’s embarrassment of riches in attack; nor could they muster much of a response at the other end either. Eventually, a mistake helped them grab a consolation – leaving Barcelona with a little room for improvement against Almeria at the weekend.</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><span>Gerardo Martino</span></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.7</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div class="statcont">
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>8.0</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">More rotation from Martino and another three points. It’s hard to argue with his methods at this point in time; Martino’s been pretty much perfect.</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">MOTM - Neymar</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>40%</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<br><div class="dots"><span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says: Neymar</b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p style="font-size: 12px;" class="MsoNormal">With exactly two-fifths of the vote, Neymar claimed the Man of the Match award ahead of Lionel Messi (34%) and Sergio Busquets (12%).</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/9/25/4770798/la-liga-fc-barcelona-4-1-real-sociedad-player-ratingsBostjan Cernensek2013-09-24T23:15:08+02:002013-09-24T23:15:08+02:00FC Barcelona 4-1 Real Sociedad: Match Review
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/U9yrfT0CZjdxxTWkjhyZVcS7FWQ=/3x0:3996x2662/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20102029/181742914.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Ramos</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Recap of Barça's comfortable Jornada 6 win over Real Sociedad.</p> <p align="justify">FC <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_team/show?league=la-liga&slug=barcelona" class="sbn-auto-link">Barcelona</a> hosted a Champion League team, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_team/show?league=la-liga&slug=real-sociedad" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Sociedad</a>, at the Camp Nou in what promised to be a tight affair. In reality, however, it was as one-sided a league game can be with Barcelona racing to a three goal lead in the first half thanks to goals from Neymar, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_player/show/110061?league=fifa&slug=lionel-messi" class="sbn-auto-link">Lionel Messi</a> and Sergio Busquets. Teams exchanged goals in the second half, with Alberto de la Bella scoring for the visitor, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_player/show/166314?league=la-liga&slug=marc-bartra" class="sbn-auto-link">Marc Bartra</a> replying for Barcelona.</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205"><br></td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Barcelona</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Real Sociedad<br></b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Possession</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>67%</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>33%</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Total Shots</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>23</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>9</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Shots on Target</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205"><b>9</b></td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>5</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Pass Accuracy</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>93%</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>78%</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Fouls</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>6</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>12</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Offsides</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>3</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>0</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Yellow Cards</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>0</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>1</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Red Cards</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>0</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>0</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p align="justify">The rotation of starters continued for Barça and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_player/show/199673?league=la-liga&slug=gerardo-martino" class="sbn-auto-link">Gerardo Martino</a>, who for this game left <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_player/show/142733?league=la-liga&slug=cesc-fabregas" class="sbn-auto-link">Cesc Fabregas</a> on the stands while Pedro took a place on the bench. Andres Iniesta returned to the starting lineup while Alexis Sanchez took the place of the hat-trick hero against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_team/show?league=la-liga&slug=rayo-vallecano" class="sbn-auto-link">Rayo Vallecano</a>. In defense <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_player/show/110098?league=fifa&slug=dani-alves" class="sbn-auto-link">Dani Alves</a> also started after he received some much needed rest on Saturday.</p>
<p align="justify">Immediately after the opening whistle Real Sociedad tried so surprise Barça with quick pressure toward Victor Valdes. And they were almost rewarded, but Haris Seferović's strike hit the crossbar. That shot never would've happened had Busquets and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_player/show/110053?league=fifa&slug=javier-mascherano" class="sbn-auto-link">Javier Mascherano</a> not hit each other. But the bigger problem resulting from that clash was the fact that the Argentine remained down and in pain. Mascherano was able to continue even though you could count Busquets' studs in Javier's knee.</p>
<p align="justify">Barcelona quickly took matters in their own hands after the early scare and five minutes in the <i>Blaugrana</i> were up 1-0. A mix-up in defense allowed Alexis Sanchez's cross to find Neymar in front of the net from where the Brazilian literally walked the ball over the line for his first La Liga tally.</p>
<p align="justify">From there it only got worse for the visitors. Two minutes later Neymar was again in the thick of things. He made a lovely run past Dani Estrada, who struggled all day with Neymar, and sent a dangerous cross to the penalty area. The cross was too high for Alexis and it appeared the chance would go begging, but out of nowhere Messi dove onto the ball and headed it in to double the hosts' lead.</p>
<p align="justify">Neymar continued to be involved in just about every play, and at the ten minute mark he went one-on-one with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_player/show/110147?league=fifa&slug=claudio-bravo" class="sbn-auto-link">Claudio Bravo</a>, but the Chilean read the play excellently and made a good save. Quickly thereafter Xavi put the ball into the back of the net, but the play was whistled dead, because Neymar, who assisted Xavi, was offside.</p>
<p align="justify">The relentless attacking by Barcelona persisted and it was just a matter of time before Bravo would again be beaten. That time came in the 22nd minute, just after La Real were forced into their first substitution, Imanol Agirretxe replaced the injured Xabi Prieto. But the goal didn't come easy. Messi had two chances to end the play with a goal after a long exchange in Sociedad's penalty area, but his first try was saved while the second was (barely) rejected by the crossbar. But just when it appeared the visitors cleared the danger Busquets unleashed a left-footed drive from 25-yards out that went just inside Bravo's left post.</p>
<p align="justify">Even with what appeared to be a comfortable three goal lead Barça didn't take their foot off the gas. First Alexis tried to curl one in but missed. Seconds later Alexis crossed the ball to Dani Alves who chested it in for what looked like a brilliant goal, but it didn't stand because Alves was offside.</p>
<p align="justify">Then Martino decided it's not worth keeping Mascherano in the game and risk further injury, even though it has since been confirmed as a hamstring injury, so he replaced him with Bartra. On the very next play the team combined for what surely would've been voted as the best team goal at the end of the season - if only Messi scored in the end. The play included several pinpoint passes, including two backheels, some brilliant dribbling, but all it lacked was Messi's finish.</p>
<p align="justify">In the rest of the half Neymar and Messi each had a chance to make the second half merely a formality, but neither of them could muster a good enough shot that would've made its way past Bravo. Not to be denied a shot on goal in the first half, the crossbar doesn't count, Antoine Griezmann, fired a good long range shot on goal, but it was well tracked and saved by Victor Valdes, who had just about nothing to do in the 43 minutes before.</p>
<p align="justify">The start of the second half wasn't much different to the first half. Barcelona continued to make pass after pass in Sociedad's third, but couldn't find that last pass that would result in the fourth goal of the game. But even when that last pass did come the finishing wasn't up to Barça's high standards. In as span of three minutes Messi and Neymar could've scored three goals, but their shots were either off target or too weak to trouble the goalkeeper.</p>
<p align="justify">With 30 minutes remaining in the game Barcelona decided they've done enough to secure the three points and stopped with the constant bombardment. In retrospect that doesn't seem like the best idea because the visitors were immediately able to make a dangerous run forward. Add to that some terrible positioning by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_player/show/110855?league=fifa&slug=gerard-pique" class="sbn-auto-link">Gerard Pique</a> and you have a tap-in goal by De La Bella. In quick succession Griezmann also twice tried his luck from outside of the box, but both attempts were well saved by Valdes.</p>
<p align="justify">But while Real Sociredad's attack looked very potent, their defense at times resembled Swiss cheese. As soon as Barcelona returned to the attack they didn't need much time to create a dangerous chance.</p>
<p align="justify">Just minutes before what turned out to be the last goal of the game Martino pulled the hard working and often fouled Neymar to the bench and replaced him with Pedro. A couple plays later Messi showed some of his magic and made a run on the left side of the penalty box. Near the sideline he sent a low cross in front of goal where Bartra (!) was all alone and the young defender restored the three goal lead.</p>
<p align="justify">With the balance restored and the visitors losing all hope the game was going toward a rather dull ending. Especially considering the world's arguably best player was substituted off for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_player/show/196813?league=la-liga&slug=sergi-roberto" class="sbn-auto-link">Sergi Roberto</a> in the 81st minute. But it wasn't all dull as Pedro and Alexis threatened to join the scoring party. Alexis was particularly unlucky on the very last play of the game when he connected with Alves' cross and sent a brilliant header on goal only to be denied by the post.</p>
<p align="justify">So the score remained 4-1, but in all fairness the score doesn't do justice to Barcelona and the way they play today. The first half was especially mesmerizing in so many ways and Barça should've been rewarded with a <i>manita</i> at halftime.</p>
<p align="justify">But there is not time to dwell on missed chances, particularly in a win, as the hectic schedule continues for Barcelona. The Catalans will again be in action on Saturday when they travel to Andalusia to face the newly promoted UD <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_team/show?league=la-liga&slug=almeria" class="sbn-auto-link">Almería</a>. Almería have struggled so far this season as they are still winless, the biggest reason for that being their defense that can't keep opponents off the board.</p>
<p><iframe marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dHljU3pwR0ZxY3RtakRMVDYxanFjYnc6MA" frameborder="0" height="500" width="760">Loading...</iframe></p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/9/24/4766658/la-liga-fc-barcelona-4-1-real-sociedad-match-reviewBostjan Cernensek2013-09-24T19:08:13+02:002013-09-24T19:08:13+02:00FC Barcelona vs Real Sociedad: Live Game Thread
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EbOONTHVHPj5dGC5PlfplIt6L8o=/305x170:2433x1589/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20090625/179320505.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Manuel Queimadelos Alonso</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Live game thread for the La Liga game between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad</p> <p align="center">La Liga: Jornada 6<br>Kickoff: Tuesday, 24 September 2013; 20:00 CET<br>Camp Nou, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a><br>Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano</p>
<p align="justify">Line-ups:</p>
<p align="justify">FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Victor Valdes; <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110098/dani-alves">Dani Alves</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110855/gerard-pique">Gerard Pique</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110053/javier-mascherano">Javier Mascherano</a>, <span>Adriano Correia</span>; <span>Sergio Busquets</span>, Xavi, Andres Iniesta; Alexis Sanchez, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>, Neymar</p>
<p align="justify">Substitutes: Jose Manuel Pinto, <span>Marc Bartra</span>, <span>Martin Montoya</span>, <span>Alex Song</span>, <span>Sergi Roberto</span>, Pedro, <span>Cristian Tello</span></p>
<p align="justify"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/real-sociedad">Real Sociedad</a> (4-2-3-1): <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110147/claudio-bravo">Claudio Bravo</a>; Dani Estrada, Iñigo Martínez, Liassine Cadamuro, Alberto de la Bella; Xabi Prieto, Markel Bergara; Javi Ros, Sangalli, Antoine Griezmann; <span>Haris Seferović</span></p>
<p align="justify">Substitutes: Eñaut Zubikarai, Ion Ansotegi, José Ángel, Rubén Pardo, Chori Castro, Imanol Agirretxe, <span>Carlos Vela</span></p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/9/24/4766308/la-liga-fc-barcelona-vs-real-sociedad-live-game-threadBostjan Cernensek2013-09-24T07:57:04+02:002013-09-24T07:57:04+02:00Predict the Score: Barcelona vs Real Sociedad
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/X9xzeioAJBU0gjInij_W3BSv770=/3x0:3996x2662/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20043661/180899707.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Ramos</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A chance to predict the score of tonight's La Liga encounter between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Last season, <span>Tito Vilanova</span> and FC <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Barcelona</a> started the season in style, coasting to a 5-1 victory in the opening fixture of the 2012/13 La Liga. By the end of the season, the Blaugrana had amassed a record-equalling 100 points, barely wavering from that intense points-setting pace they debuted with against their Basque Country visitors. While tonight Barcelona are entertaining <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/real-sociedad" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Sociedad</a> after five La Liga matches, they can once again send a message to the rest of the league -- and indeed the chasing pack -- that they are still the team to beat.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A comfortable victory would not only move Barcelona temporarily clear of Atletico Madrid, who kick-off at home to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/osasuna" class="sbn-auto-link">Osasuna</a> immediately after the conclusion of Barca's clash with Sociedad, but it would also ease the nerves of some Cules, who are less than sold on their team's recent performances. Yes, Barcelona are winning and winning comfortably, but they're not at their glittering best either.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Think back to the best performances under Guardiola: the Manita against <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Madrid</a>, the demolition of Arsenal, even last season's victory against AC Milan under Tito Vilanova; that was the "real" Barcelona, pressing high-up the field, not giving the opposition an inch to make their mark. As Inder said, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/9/24/4761802/fc-barcelona-change-is-the-only-constant">change is the only constant</a>, but is it for the better?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I guess we might find out tonight -- if Barcelona defeat Real Sociedad, chances are that this "change" will be well-received. Lose or draw? Well, that's a whole different story...</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Predict the score of tonight's match by commenting with your score prediction below, best of luck!</p>
<h4>More from Barca Blaugranes:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/9/24/4761802/fc-barcelona-change-is-the-only-constant?utm_source=barcablaugranes&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">FC Barcelona: Change Is The Only Constant</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/9/23/4763288/la-liga-fc-barcelona-vs-real-sociedad-match-preview?utm_source=barcablaugranes&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">La Liga: FC Barcelona vs Real Sociedad: Match Preview</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/9/23/4761202/fc-barcelona-news-23-september-2013-preparations-begin-for-real?utm_source=barcablaugranes&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">FC Barcelona News: 23 September 2013; Preparations Begin for Real Sociedad Game, Martino's Barça Make Historic Start</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/9/22/4757764/la-liga-fc-barcelona-4-0-rayo-vallecano-player-ratings?utm_source=barcablaugranes&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">La Liga: FC Barcelona 4-0 Rayo Vallecano: Player Ratings</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/9/22/4757776/fc-barcelona-news-22-september-2013-barca-win-rayo-vallecano-possession?utm_source=barcablaugranes&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">FC Barcelona News: 22 September 2013; Barça Lose Possession Battle After 317 Games, Win Against Rayo Vallecano</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/9/24/4763528/la-liga-fc-barcelona-vs-real-sociedad-predict-the-scoreArron Duckling2013-09-23T21:57:13+02:002013-09-23T21:57:13+02:00La Liga: Barcelona vs Real Sociedad: Match Preview
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IPTZJ41748NK8CHSf4X-cW2oKQ0=/0x20:4000x2687/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20041099/181459803.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Ramos</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A preview of FC Barcelona's La Liga clash with Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou, as Gerardo Martino's side look to extend their 100% record to six matches</p> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">FC Barcelona entertain UEFA Champions League qualifiers <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/real-sociedad">Real Sociedad</a> tomorrow at the Camp Nou, as the Blaugrana look to maintain their 100% start to this La Liga campaign. Tomorrow's visitors are without a goal in their last three matches (two draws and one defeat), but regardless of that fact, last season’s fourth place finishers boast too much quality to be underestimated, particularly by a suspect Barça defense.</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">While Barcelona may have achieved two successive shut-outs, they have relied heavily upon the resurgent Victor Valdés who has saved a penalty kick in each of his last two appearances. Usually dependable characters like <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110053/javier-mascherano">Javier Mascherano</a> and <span>Adriano Correia</span> are also making rare mistakes, further contributing to this sense of unease which surrounds the Barça defense.</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Fortunately for head coach <span>Gerardo Martino</span>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona's</a> fabled offense is continuing to produce. With a staggering 14 goals in their last four matches, the Blaugrana boast the most potent strike-force in all of Europe. It's spearheaded by the greatest player of all-time <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> – who also continues to amaze on a weekly basis – and in Pedro, Neymar and Alexis Sanchez, the Argentine can finally count upon the support of his offensive colleagues.</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">With club captain <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110856/carles-puyol">Carles Puyol</a> edging ever-closer to his highly-anticipated return, it's a good time to be a Culé...</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>TEAM NEWS</b></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>BARCELONA</b></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">As mentioned previously, Carles Puyol is nearing a return, but as expected, the veteran centre-half will not play any part in tomorrow's fixture. The same can be said of long-term absentees <span>Isaac Cuenca</span> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110480/ibrahim-afellay">Ibrahim Afellay</a>, as well as "exiled" goalkeeper, Oier Olazabal. With <span>Jordi Alba</span> also missing out through injury, Martino has a 20-man squad from which to choose his starting line-up and the Argentine tactician hinted that he would make some changes in his pre-match press conference.</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Some of those changes will be obvious and/or expected, although there are one or two potential decisions that may catch some Culés off-guard.</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Victor Valdés will continue in goal and it's safe to say that the Catalan shot-stopper is probably in the form of his life right now. Maybe if he'd performed like this for the past two-three seasons, he would have been offered a new contract much earlier – and we wouldn't be worrying about the club finding a new goalkeeper. In other words, let's enjoy Valdés' form while it lasts.</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110098/dani-alves">Dani Alves</a> is expected to return to the starting line-up tomorrow, replacing young Catalan full-back <span>Martin Montoya</span> on the right-hand side of defense. The Spanish Under-21 international was granted his first start of the season on Saturday but failed to really capitalise; the only occasion he caught our attention was with that ill-judged back-pass. With Alba sidelined, there is a possibility that Montoya will keep his place in the starting XI, albeit on the left-hand side of defense – but that rests on whether Martino is willing to drop Adriano to the bench.</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Barcelona's immediate schedule may be packed, but there is little in the way of a challenge for the reigning champions, meaning that defensive rotation might not be too important in the upcoming weeks.</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">On a similar note, there are some Culés who are questioning Martino's decision to utilise Javier Mascherano and Gerard Piqué in every match – conveniently forgetting that defensive instability was one of the principal reasons for the late collapses in seasons past. Martino has his preferred first-choice pairing; why should he deviate from that?</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span>Sergio Busquets</span> will replace <span>Alex Song</span> as Barcelona's midfield anchor tomorrow, after Song delivered a mixed performance against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/rayo-vallecano">Rayo Vallecano</a> on Saturday. There were many who praised his efforts in the centre of the park, but the cold hard facts are that he continues to give the ball away far too often to succeed in this role. 76% pass completion for a player who is supposed to be limited to simple sideways and backwards passes is nothing short of laughable. Committing six fouls is another huge concern too; often pundits and fans confuse a lack of timing for "physicality". Just because Busquets times his challenges to perfection and rarely leaves a mark on the player, does that make him any less physical than Song?</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Credit where it's due, Song played an integral part in one of the goals on Saturday, but it's hardly anything new; Busquets' enthusiasm created two goals for Barça just a few weeks ago...</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Moving further forward in the Barcelona midfield, logic suggests that Andres Iniesta will also return to the starting line-up tomorrow with Cesc Fàbregas likely to drop down to the bench. <span>Sergi Roberto</span> could challenge for a spot in the squad – although it's far more likely that he's involved in the weekend's clash with Almeria.</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">In attack, Lionel Messi will continue to lead the line, but he may be without his latest partner-in-crime Neymar, as Martino hinted that the Brazilian forward could be rested for tomorrow's match. Maybe it's mind-games; personally I would wait a few days and leave Neymar out of the Almeria match, or maybe it's legitimate. Neymar has played a lot of minutes recently, and even if he was used to this kind of schedule in Brazil, Martino could still give him a break.</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">That would leave us with two attacking spots, likely to be filled by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110173/alexis-sanchez">Alexis Sánchez</a> and hat-trick hero, Pedro Rodriguez. Despite displaying glimpses of their talent, neither Pedro nor Alexis have truly hit form yet this season; perhaps leaving a door open for <span>Cristian Tello</span> to march into the starting XI. If only the young winger could figure out how to play on the right-hand side of attack...</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>REAL SOCIEDAD</b></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Real Sociedad have shown signs in recent weeks that while they may still be supremely talented, they are desperately missing the leadership that former coach Philippe Montanier provided them with. While the highly-rated French coach has earned Rennes 11 points out of a possible 18, Sociedad have hit a slump, culminating in this goal drought. After last season's heroics, their current 7<sup>th</sup> place position looks comparatively woeful.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Missing usual midfield regulars, David Zurutuza and Gorka Elustondo, Real Sociedad’s rookie coach Jagoba Arrasate truly faces an difficult decision tomorrow – does he hand a start to the inexperienced Javi Ros, or opt for fringe player Markel Bergara alongside Ruben Pardo? Either way, I wouldn’t fancy their chances...</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>FORM GUIDE</b></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Barcelona: WDWWWW</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Real Sociedad: DWLDLD</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>LAST MEETING</b></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Real Sociedad 3-2 FC Barcelona – 19<sup>th</sup> January 2013 – La Liga</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">The hosts produced one of the season’s finest comebacks to overturn a two-goal deficit, as a brace from Chori Castro was followed up by a late injury-time winner from centre-forward Imanol Agirretxe.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>LIKELY LINE-UPS</b></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdés; Alves, Piqué, Mascherano, Adriano; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Alexis, Messi, Pedro</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): Bravo; Martinez, Gonzalez, Inigo, Angel; Pardo, Bergara; Vela, Prieto, Castro; Agirretxe</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>MATCH PREDICTION</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Barcelona are excellent at home, and Real Sociedad are struggling for form – this one should be quite straight-forward. I’m going for a 4-1 home win.</p>
<h4>More from Barca Blaugranes:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/9/23/4761202/fc-barcelona-news-23-september-2013-preparations-begin-for-real?utm_source=barcablaugranes&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">FC Barcelona News: 23 September 2013; Preparations Begin for Real Sociedad Game, Martino's Barça Make Historic Start</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/9/22/4757764/la-liga-fc-barcelona-4-0-rayo-vallecano-player-ratings?utm_source=barcablaugranes&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">La Liga: FC Barcelona 4-0 Rayo Vallecano: Player Ratings</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/9/22/4757776/fc-barcelona-news-22-september-2013-barca-win-rayo-vallecano-possession?utm_source=barcablaugranes&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">FC Barcelona News: 22 September 2013; Barça Lose Possession Battle After 317 Games, Win Against Rayo Vallecano</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/9/22/4757702/la-liga-fc-barcelona-4-0-rayo-vallecano-highlights?utm_source=barcablaugranes&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">La Liga: FC Barcelona 4-0 Rayo Vallecano: Highlights</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/9/22/4756646/barca-beats-rayo-4-0-mind-of-xoel-tiki-tata?utm_source=barcablaugranes&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">From The Mind of Xoel: Rayo 0 - 4 Barça. Tiki-"Tata" Helps Give Barça the Win.</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/9/23/4763288/la-liga-fc-barcelona-vs-real-sociedad-match-previewArron Duckling