BARCA'S DEFEAT

Oh la la at last the Spanish giants have slipped on the away match against Real Sociedad. As expected by most people barcelona dominated the ball. Sociedad used long passes and much running. Being at home they fought hard to level 2 goals after being behind. on the last minutes Sociedad scored again to make the score appear 3-2.

Barcelona squad against Real Sociedad

The hosts were not content with the single point and, with Barca unable to maintain their usual passing and pressing rhythm, it was all La Real in the latter stages.

The Liga leaders thought they had held on too, but just after the referee signalled two minutes of added time the impressive Martinez cut inside on to his weaker left foot before curling a lovely low cross into the six-yard box, which substitute Agirretxe slid in to meet with a simple finish.

Messi as he scores the opener for his team.

Real Sociedad were always going to attempt to take the game to Barça, with talented attacking options in midfield and up front and a clear plan to press the visitors high up the pitch. Even so, it was Barça who had the early chances – Messi missing a great opportunity to open the scoring within the first five minutes and then almost immediately afterwards doing better with his second chance to put Barça one up.

When the architect Xavi shows his skills

Barcelona players celebrating after scoring a goal

The Catalans were ahead as early as the seventh minute. Messi had already drilled a one-on-one wide, but made no mistake at the second time of asking, slotting home superbly from the edge of the box after Barca had pounced on a terrible clearance from Claudio Bravo.

Xabi Prieto came close to responding with a shot that hit the side netting, after a clever move from a free kick, but it was Barca who should have scored again after winning the ball inside the Sociedad box, with Pedro unlucky to see his splendid curling effort crack off the far post.

Barca manager manager in deep thinking as he watches his squad.

Frustration on Barca side as Real Sociedad scores a goal.

There was no time for a Barca comeback – indeed, Valdes prevented Ifran from nabbing a late fourth for the hosts – and Sociedad celebrated a famous victory, although one which probably will not have a great impact on the defending champions’ title hopes.

The only thing I think has brought a catastrophe to Barca is a red card given to Pique. After Pique went out of the pitch the opponents played so hard and Barca seemed vulnerable. I think Barca coach should find a technique of playing with 10 men and maintain their attacking spirit.