Three talking points from Real Sociedad 2-1 Barcelona

After two weeks and not using a La Liga fixture, Barca travelled to the Reale Enviornment stuffed with confidence after profitable each the Spanish Tremendous Cup and their Copa del Rey sport in opposition to Racing.

Hansi Flick’s facet have been within the groove for some whereas now, with many gamers on the high of their sport as they headed to San Sebastian for a date with Actual Sociedad.

The hosts got here into the match unbeaten in 5 video games after a hunch which threatened to drag them into the relegation dogfight, while the Blaugranes had been on an incredible profitable run within the Spanish top-flight – 9 successive wins, every seeing two or extra objectives from the Catalans.

La Actual had misplaced 19 of the final 22 head-to-heads, although one in all their two wins got here within the final match to be performed between the perimeters at this venue.

Let’s check out three speaking factors from Sunday night time’s sport…

Good attacking play however missing the crowning glory

We shouldn’t actually be shocked at Barca’s penchant for attacking, given the outcomes and normal of performances over the previous couple of months, however issues had been taken up a notch in opposition to La Actual.

Within the opening half specifically, the Catalans had been sensational of their attacking play.

Not solely was it purposeful and dynamic, however it was additionally an train in tips on how to assault from each a part of the pitch.

Have been it not for VAR, Barca would probably have been house and dry by half-time, and that they weren’t wasn’t for the dearth of attempting.

Strong on the again – however nonetheless undone

There’s little to reproach the defence for on an evening after they did nearly every part proper.

Eric Garcia, as has change into customary, was quietly environment friendly alongside a equally adept Pau Cubarsi, each making interventions of the very best high quality at varied levels of the sport.

Each Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde bought ahead at each alternative, and all 4 of the again line had been stable for essentially the most half when it comes to their tackling and utility.

And but, for all of their excellence, it was extremely unlucky that two comparatively easy balls – and momentary lapses of focus – would finish with objectives for the guests in opposition to the run of play.

VAR, luck and wayward ending…

Typically you need to admit that it’s simply not your night time.

Regardless of that every part you’ve skilled for through the week has labored in match play, the footballing Gods have simply conspired in opposition to you.

Hitting the woodwork a number of occasions, VAR being invoked to rule out multiple purpose after which some wayward finishes, significantly from Dani Olmo…

May Barca actually have carried out any extra to win the sport?