Kounde 4, De Jong 5 | Real Sociedad 1-0 Barcelona: Player Ratings

Barcelona took on Real Sociedad in the Basque country late Sunday night in their final game before the international break.

It was perhaps the team’s most challenging clash of the window.

Hansi Flick went on with a fairly strong lineup, albeit without Lamine Yamal who was experiencing muscular discomfort, and thus replaced the youngster with an extra midfielder in Fermin Lopez.

Barcelona deservedly took the lead for their early dominance but had the goal scandalously ruled out despite Robert Lewandowski being onside.

La Real then stepped up and dominated the game, scoring themselves to take the lead, 1-0, heading into halftime.

The hosts continued their rigorous press after the break, handing Hansi Flick’s side a serious headache as Barcelona simply could not find a way through.

In the end, Real Sociedad held on to take three points in what is a massive black spot on Barcelona’s league calendar.

Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Real Sociedad 1-0 Barcelona.

Inaki Pena: 7

The goalkeeper showed improved positional understanding and did not step off his line unnecessarily, coming forward only for crucial interceptions.

Could not do much to stop the opponent’s opener as the shot was placed to perfection.

Did well to save Barcelona in the second half denying Real Sociedad a second goal with his fingertips.

Alejandro Balde: 5.5

A decent defensive performance from the Spanish full-back, but once again lacked the end product in the final third with his crosses often landing nowhere close to the target.

Did not tangibly improve after the break.

Inigo Martinez: 7

A turbulent night for the centre-back who was constantly the target of loud jeers and whistles from the crowd of his former club. On the field, the pressure was worse as Real Sociedad’s attackers deployed a high press, handing him no space.

Pau Cubarsi: 6.5

The young warrior started despite the massive cut on his face but was understandably and rightly cautious from lunging into unnecessary challenges.

Did well to hold the defensive line against the well-drilled La Real attack but fell slightly short in the goal.

Made some unforced errors both with his distribution and his defensive judgement.

Jules Kounde: 4

The right-back was not as clinical as he would have liked, perhaps missing the chemistry he usually shared with Lamine Yamal on the right flank.

Looked relatively disconnected from the buildup and was defensively average.

Was relatively worse after the break, simply looking like a liability on the ball.

Marc Casado: 7

The ‘destroyer’ did everything his role demanded of him but was under constant pressure from La Real’s high-press at Reale Arena.

However, he was often out-muscled and dominated in certain tracts of the game and had a more silent second half.

Frenkie de Jong: 5

The Dutchman was more lively than his previous appearance in the Catalan derby and looked to be the procreator in the double pivot.

However, he lacked the pace Barcelona required to pull off rapid counter-attacks.

Still appeared very injury-prone, taking big impacts from small challenges and showing his fragile side. Came off at half-time.

Pedri: 6

The young magician was far from his confident self surprisingly and it is now growing clear that he thrives better as part of the double pivot than in the attacking midfield.

Appeared disconnected from the buildup and did not shoot even when presented with the chance.

Returned to his natural position in the second period and looked instantly better but was still far from the player he should be.

Fermin Lopez: 5.5

A disappointing first half for the La Masia starlet who was deployed as a false winger on the night as he struggled to make the right movements and win the 50-50 challenges.

Did not improve after the break and was hooked off past the hour mark.

Raphinha: 6

The Brazilian was relatively silent in the first half playing a central role and was not helped with much possession given Real Sociedad’s heavy press.

Never really got his hands into the game as he could not keep up with La Real’s press.

Robert Lewandowski: 6.5

A good performance from the Pole who not only created a threat in front of the goal but also served as a useful outlet in the buildup.

Was denied a perfectly legal goal through a VAR scandal that surprisingly continues even after semi-automation.

Dani Olmo: 6

Came on for the second half but had his worst outing in the garnet and blue, simply struggling to keep up with the press.