Real Sociedad – FC Barcelona: A Surprise At Anoeta For Flick’s Side (2–1)

Real Sociedad imposed their intensity early on, disrupting Barcelona both in and out of possession. Key moments and strong game management ultimately tipped the balance in the hosts’ favour at Anoeta.

Tactical analysis and match report by Juan Lauz.

The LaLiga leaders arrived at Anoeta aiming to confirm their strong start to the year and protect their position at the top of the table. Barcelona had opened up a significant gap in the standings and were looking to extend it after a positive run of recent results.

However, they faced a Real Sociedad side that were strong at home and targeting a push towards the European qualification places. The Txuri-urdin lined up with Álex Remiro in goal, supported by Jon Aramburu, Jon Martín, Igor Zubeldia and Sergio Gómez in defence. In midfield, Brais Méndez, Beñat Turrientes and Carlos Soler provided balance and dynamism, while Takefusa Kubo, Mikel Oyarzabal and Gonçalo Guedes offered creativity and constant attacking threat.

Barcelona, meanwhile, started with Joan García between the posts, with Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García and Alejandro Balde forming the back line. The midfield trio consisted of Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Fermín López, supporting an attacking line made up of Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo.

In an unexpected development, it was Real Sociedad who ultimately claimed a hard-fought and well-earned victory, built on a well-coordinated high press and precise tactical execution that disrupted Barcelona’s build-up and allowed . . .