Barcelona react but are still far from their best selves

Barcelona react but are still far from their best selves

Lluís Mascaró

Director de Información Deportiva de Prensa Ibérica

| Valentí Enrich

Barcelona had to beat Real Sociedad. After two defeats in a row, painful ones, the team had to react. The players and the fans and this needed to be a win that made up for being knocked out of the Europa League and the title fight. Now the only goal left is qualifying for the Champions League, and bringing footballing hope back to the fans after a tragic week in sporting terms.

The win at Anoeta therefore was essential. Xavi’s tough self-criticism after the defeat by Cadiz left the team with a test of fire against Real Sociedad. The reaction came. It was not a great performance but it was important to win. This Barcelona is not the team that thrashed Madrid at the Bernabeu, but at least they could find something of themselves.

A goal from Aubameyang, now he has nine, as enough to win a complex game. The worst part was the injuries. Araujo and Alves had to go off. Pique too. The defence is getting smaller. And that’s bad news for a team without a lot of support there.

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