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FC Barcelona travelled to Anoeta, with only one intent in mind - to break the infamous victory less streak against Real Sociedad for the last decade.
The match started on an even note, both the teams tried to gain an upper hand on each other. However, the hosts turned out to be the better team as they quickly went 2-0 up by the thirtieth minute of the match. However, Paulinho then pulled one back for the Blaugrana.
The second half saw FC Barcelona coming out with all guns blazing as if they wanted to make a point. Well, they did. They scored three more after the restart courtesy a Luis Suarez brace and a Messi freekick. FC Barcelona went on to win the match with a scoreline of 4-2.
Here are the player ratings for either side.
Real Sociedad
Geronimo Rulli: 5.5/10
Rulli was solid throughout the match and effective when called upon. However, his clearance was poor from which eventually scored his second. He could have done better with Messi's freekick too.
Kevin Rodrigues: 5.5/10
This was not a match he would like to remember as he was beaten quite often by Roberto. Additionally, he was also disappointing in attack. If Sociedad wants to win in the next few matches, they need Kevin firing on full throttle rather than his performance in today's match
Diego Llorente: 7.5/10
A solid performance for the centre-back, he kept Suarez well in check for the entire duration of the match. Apart from that, he played the ball well out of his defence.
Raul Navas: 6.5/10
Like his centre-back partner, Navas too gave a solid performance at the heart of La Real’s defence. He was shaky on the ball sometimes and could have scored an own goal as he misplaced a clearance just wide of his own goalpost.
Alvaro Odriozola: 7/10
The right-back was full of energy and was Sociedad’s best player on the pitch. He owned the right flank for Sociedad, whether it was in defence or in the attack.
Xabi Prieto: 7/10
This was not a flashy performance for the Spanish midfielder, however, it was an effective one. He dispossessed Barcelona’s midfielders quite a few times and used the ball efficiently.
Asier Illaramendi: 6.5/10
Former, Real Madrid player, Illarramendi had a decent game. Though he was not much influential in the second half, he came out on top in the midfield battle against Barca’s midfield before the restart. His distribution was efficient if not eye-catching.
Zurutuza: 610
Like his partner in the middle of the ball, he too was solid defensively while looking effective on the few occasions he pushed forward. However, the second half saw him fade away before being replaced due to an unfortunate injury.
Juanmi: 6.5/10
Though he started well, he faded as the match wore on. He did not trouble Roberto much, thus letting the makeshift right back’s day easy. However, before he could slack a little bit he scored a beautifully crafted goal.
Sergio Canales: 5.5/10
Canales looked sharp in possession and enjoyed the ball at his feet. However, he just could not deliver the end product. He did win quite a few free-kicks, albeit in not so dangerous areas, which Real Sociedad could not capitalize on.
Willian Jose: 7.5/10
Up against Spanish international Gerard Pique, he held up the ball well and showed a good range of distribution. But the service to him was not good enough in the second half as he struggled to make a major impact. However, he did score with a peach of a header in the first half.
Substitutes
Igor Elorza: 4/10
He was brought on for an injured Zurutuza to carry on his good work. However, he could not execute his job well as Barcelona scored two more after his substitution
Oyarzabal: 5/10
Oyarzabal replaced Juanmi but could not affect the game much. His only highlights were in his hair.
Adnan Januzaj: N/A
Very late substitution did not have time to affect the game.
Barcelona
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 6.5/10
Had quite an amazing outing just, like his opposite number. Quick off his lines, it was he who stood firm and stopped Real Sociedad from pulling away in the first half itself. Pulled a couple of saves including a number of fantastic stops off Juanmi's shot in the first half.
Roberto: 8/10
The makeshift right-back was solid in defense and ever willing to join the attack whenever called upon. His passing was crisp and he made a few interesting runs on the right flank for Barcelona. However, physically, he struggled when up against William Jose.
Gerard Pique: 7.5/10
Pique had a good game as he dominated and won everything that came his way in the air. He won headers, made blocks and clearances and was a calm head in the heart of the Barca defense. He picked up a yellow card late in the game.
Thomas Vermaelen: 7/10
This was a good game by the standards he has set for himself with his performances this season. He made important tackles and interceptions but was also sucked out of position on quite a few occasions like La Real’s second goal. He assisted Suarez's second goal, albeit unknowingly.
Jordi Alba: 7.5/10
Jordi Alba produced a mixed performance. He did make a couple of penetrating runs in attack and provided quite a few fine deliveries. He, however, was guilty of giving too much space on his side which, unfortunately, was exploited as both the goals were built up on his side of the pitch.
Andre Gomes: 6/10
This was a decent game from the last season's summer signing. He did not do much of note but kept things tidy and defended well with the team when required of him.
Sergio Busquets: 7/10
The Spanish International was influential throughout the game. He broke plays and started attacks from his own half. This was a good commanding display from him in the middle of the park despite the fact that he did pass waywardly during important moments in the match.
Ivan Rakitic: 6.5/10
The Croat was a willing runner in the midfield. He covered for his fullbacks and then contributed going forward as well. He looks to be getting back to his best after a below-par start to this season.
Paulinho: 6.5/10
Paulinho was perhaps the worst Barcelona player on the pitch. Starting on the right-hand side of a four-man midfield, he did not see much of the ball, neither did he utilize the ball well when in possession. He did score Barcelona's first goal.
Luis Suarez: 8/10
The Uruguayan was a willing runner and pressed quite diligently. His runs and physicality were causing La Real’s defenders a lot of problems and took his two goals with aplomb and a level of precession we have been accustomed to.
Lionel Messi: 8.5/10
La Liga's top scorer of the season, Leo Messi was on fire today, especially in the second half. His fine finishing from outside of the box with a well-struck freekick wrapped up the proceedings for Barca. He assisted Luis Suarez’s first goal.
Substitutes
Ousmane Dembele: 6/10
The young winger was brought on for Paulinho after Barca had ceded midfield battle to La Real. His introduction allowed Barca to have that midfield superiority and control of the ball.
Lucas Digne: 5/10
He was a late introduction in place of Andre Gomes. Though not afforded much time, his introduction helped Barca defend better.
Denis Suarez: N/A
Very late substitution
