Real Sociedad vs Barcelona

Reale Arena sets the stage for a handsomely-looking La Liga encounter between Real Sociedad and Barcelona.

A 2-1 defeat at Viktoria Plzen in midweek UEFA Europa League action was hardly an ideal preparation for this heavyweight clash. That’s not to mention Real Sociedad languished in the La Liga mid-table at the start of this round, largely thanks to their dreadful form in San Sebastian. Imanol Alguacil’s men lament the division’s worst home record in Spain’s top flight this season, having lost four of their six outings at the Reale Arena (W1, D1). Furthermore, they conceded precisely two goals in each defeat, which doesn’t bode well, considering they meet the division’s most prolific attack. An improvement against Barcelona looks highly unlikely, with ‘La Real’ taking just one from their last 16 La Liga encounters against the Catalan powerhouse (D2, L13).

On the other hand, high-flying Barcelona hammered Red Star Belgrade 5-2 in the UEFA Champions League during midweek, extending their winning streak in all competitions to seven matches, all of which saw them score at least three goals. Too hot to handle in La Liga, Hansi Flick’s charges sit atop the league table amid a near-flawless 12-game start (W11, L1). Barcelona trounced bitter rivals Real Madrid 4-0 on their last La Liga travel, helping Flick become the first Blaugrana manager to win six of their first even away league games in charge since Gerardo Martino in 2013 (W6, L1). With Barca incredibly netting 22 goals across those seven trips, it’s only natural to assume they’ll have a field day against Sociedad’s fragile defense.