In football, there will be days like this. That’s all there is to it.
Barcelona were wasteful, and very unlucky, but on any other day, they get the result after generating as much offense as they did against Real Sociedad. A total of 23 shots, with 9 on target for the Blaugrana, compared to 5 shots and 4 on target for La Real.
It’s almost hard to believe all the calls that didn’t go their way. Fermin Lopez had a decisive finish ruled out. Lamine Yamal made a very alert play for a goal that was disallowed for the tightest of tight offside calls, followed by a penalty that was chalked off for another offside in the build up.
(Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
(Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
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In the second half, it felt like post after post. At some point you just have to throw up your hands and say it wasn’t our day. Even after Marcus Rashford equalized, Real Sociedad took back the lead within seconds. Every lucky bounce went in one direction.
But there’s only one direction to go, and that’s forward.
Barcelona played the Barcelona way as outlined by Hansi Flick. The coach said as much at the end of the game. They played well, but lady luck wasn’t on their side. I don’t think the manager will have too much to say to his players other than that the finishing has to be better. He’ll be encouraged, however, by the countless chances that were created.
In a way, this could be a useful wake up call.
Real Madrid had a dreadful week, but rumors of their demise have been greatly exaggerated. Barcelona are the favorites in La Liga’s title race because they are managed by a proven coach, but you have to respect Los Blancos because of the talent that’s at their disposal. This is not a team that will go quietly into the good night.
(Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
(Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
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If Barcelona want to win the league, they have to be able to react to a game like this was calm and confidence. They will need a response the next time out that says we will continue to play our game because it’s the formula that has served us so well so far, and it’s the way forward to future success too.
That’s exactly what I think will happen. Playing in San Sebastian is always going to be a challenge. There’s no shame in this type of loss. Barcelona, when it’s all said and done, will hopefully look back on this game as nothing more than a blip.
Keep in mind they didn’t even have Raphinha in action, and still, they were an attacking machine.
The Flick calculus is that you should focus on outscoring your opponents. Barcelona should have had a minimum of five goals in this game given the way they played. Their approach still works 9 times out of 10 when they put in a performance like that with so many goal scoring opportunities generated.
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Just like Flick said, we don’t talk about the referees, or anything else that serves as a distraction.
Take accountability, focus on yourselves, and move forward.
If Barcelona continue with this mindset, the season will continue to be in their hands, and Real Madrid will continue to chase.