Defeating their opponents at Anoeta, despite the fact that Barcelona had not lost there in eight years, is entirely acceptable within the plans for any season. However, the final tally of just one shot on target (from Dani Olmo, which was deflected by a defender before reaching Alex Remiro) and the score remaining at zero highlight the struggles of Hansi Flick’s team this campaign. The last time Barça failed to hit the target was during the 0-0 draw against Málaga in September 2014.
The Blaugrana had also not gone goalless since the days of Xavi Hernández, when they boasted the best attack in Europe’s top leagues and the Champions League, securing victories at Anoeta twice (1-4 and 0-1). Just last month in Euskadi, they drew 0-0 against Athletic Bilbao on March 3, but last night’s defeat, coupled with a lack of attacking solutions, has dampened the euphoric mood that engulfed Barça supporters following impressive wins against Bayern and Real Madrid.
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Missing Lamine Yamal due to an ankle contusion and the absence of Dani Olmo, who was sidelined with gastroenteritis and unable to train on Saturday, left the team struggling to create chances. They looked devoid of ideas in the attacking phase, particularly as Real Sociedad, who arrived as the league’s worst home team with just four points from a possible 18, began to take control of the match. A VAR decision in the 13th minute disallowed a Robert Lewandowski goal, raising doubts about whether the Polish striker’s boot, donned with the number 44, was indeed offside.
Regardless, Barça’s play stagnated, and they struggled to adapt to the high press implemented by the hosts. Imanol Alguacil’s squad executed the high pressing perfectly, a trademark of Barcelona’s style this season. The officiating from Cuadra Fernández, who also controversially officiated the defeat in Pamplona when he declined to penalize a foul on Pau Víctor leading to Bryan Zaragoza’s 2-0 goal, did not assist them, but it should not serve as an excuse. Neither Frenkie de Jong nor Pedri managed to connect effectively with the forwards, while the team failed to spread the play as needed, with Fermín occupying the right side instead of Lamine, and Raphinha being unable to cut loose from the left flank.
The solidarity displayed by the Real Sociedad players also disrupted the Blaugrana’s game, making it difficult for them to attempt shots from distance and showcasing a lack of precision in their initial touches, too many of which were with their backs to goal. Flick granted Ansu Fati more playing time than ever in the second half in an effort to find a reference point, but the clock continued to tick down with no solutions in sight.
