FC Barcelona have continued to keep their away winning streak in motion, as they wrapped a splendid 6-1 victory over Real Sociedad at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian on Sunday evening.
Antoine Griezmann and his opener, Sergino Dest, and Leo Messi’s double brace, alongside Ousmane Dembele’s low strike altogether raised Ronald Koeman a perfect birthday gift.
Matchday 28 of La Liga has also been a boon to the Barca talisman Messi, who marked his 768th appearance for the club by breaking former teammate Xavi’s all-time record. The Blaugrana also stand to be the only team unbeaten in Europe’s top five leagues this year.
This crucial win has howsoever set the Catalan giants second in the table with 62 points. They still trail four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid and two ahead of rivals, Real Madrid.
REAL SOCIEDAD 1-6 FC BARCELONA TEAM NEWS:
Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil went for the 3-4-3 formation. He carried out five changes in total, all in the second half. Portu and Gorosabel were called out for Adnan Januzaj and Ander Barrenetxea in the 60th minute. Similarly, triple change was made each in the 72nd and 83rd minute where Carlos Fernandez barged in for Zubimendi, and Modibo Sagnan and Jon Bautista came for Zubeldia and Isak.
Barcelona coach, Ronald Koeman settled on the unusual 3-4-2-1 formation. He too conducted five changes, all in the latter half of the game. Illaix Moriba and Ronald Araujo replaced Pedri and Sergio Busquets. Meanwhile, Riqui Puig and Fransico Trincao were called in for Antoine Griezmann and Sergiño Dest. In the final few minutes, Ousmane Dembele made way for Martin Braithwaite.
REAL SOCIEDAD 1-6 FC BARCELONA POST-MATCH ANALYSIS:
Birthday boy Antoine Griezmann opened the goalscoring door for the team in the 37th minute. The score was howsoever doubled just before half time, as Sergiño Dest stretched his first goal after finding a pass from Messi.
As the second half was in progress, Barcelona pressed Real Sociedad and seemed hungry for scoring more goals. Thereafter, Dest stroked past Alex Remiro in the 53rd minute, while Messi shortly followed after three minutes and found the back of the net from Sergio Busquets assist.
The French forward, Ousmane Dembele with his solo run waltzed past the white and blue wall to notch up the scoresheet. However, his goal was ruled out due to VAR for having being offside. He yet bounced back and scored in the 71st minute.
In the pain of defeat, substitute Ander Barrenetxea pulled a goal in the 77th minute and gave some hope to the home side. Nevertheless in the closing minutes, the little Argentine finished the game by scoring his 23rd league goal for the 2020-21 season.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:
Lionel Messi (Man of the Match) – (9/10): He was at the top of the game like always. He scored twice and set up Sergiño Dest to score his first goal.
Sergiño Dest – (8.5/10): The United States international found himself net two times. He also displayed a great game overall.
Ander Barrenetxea – (6.5/10): Gave his team a glimpse of joy by striking well past Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
Following this intense performance, Barcelona will be back in action after the international break. The will next host Real Valladolid at the Camp Nou, later in April. Likewise, Real Sociedad too will welcome Athletic Club at home.
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