Barcelona 1-0 Real Sociedad: 5 Talking Points as Blaugrana register important victory | LaLiga 2019-20 

4. Real Sociedad architects of their own failure

Imanol's side failed to take their chances

Real Sociedad are easily one of the most impressive sides in LaLiga this season and they came into this fixture against Barcelona on a good run of form, having won eight of their last nine fixtures in all competitions, including a 4-3 win away to Real Madrid that set them on their way to the final of the Copa del Rey.

Under the management of Imanol Alguacil, the Basque side have impressed, with players like Martin Odegaard, Adnan Januzaj, Portu, and Alexander Isak all flourishing in a brilliantly attack-minded system.

The 2-2 draw earlier in the day between Atletico Madrid and Sevilla offered Real Sociedad a huge incentive for a top-four finish and despite coming to the Camp Nou, the visitors would have fancied their chances and they showed as much in their application for the entirety of the match, putting Barcelona on the backfoot with their quick and forward-thinking play.

The second half saw La Real increase the pressure on the hosts, fashioning a number of notable opportunities but rather disappointingly, they failed to take them, with Odegaard, Portu, Nacho Monreal, and especially the normally efficient Alex Isak all being let down with their decision-making in the final third.

They were ultimately punished for failing to take their chances when Messi converted from the spot and Imanol would hope his wards can get their act together ahead of their rescheduled clash with Eibar on Tuesday.