Barcelona arrived at Anoeta with the intention of confirming their strong start to the year and maintaining a four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, after the capital side had won their respective match.
The context, however, was far from simple: awaiting them was a Real Sociedad side strong at home and in need of points to move closer to the European qualification places.
The outcome was unexpected yet hard-earned for the txuri-urdin, who prevailed through a well-coordinated high press and a clear plan to disrupt the two Barcelona midfielders who had been standout performers in recent matches, including the latest Clásico: Frenkie de Jong and Pedri.
Not even a brilliant performance from Lamine Yamal, who repeatedly dismantled the opposition’s pressure through his outstanding creativity, was enough for a Barcelona side that failed to capitalise on their chances and missed a golden opportunity to consolidate their domestic dominance.
This tactical analysis article examines key aspects of the match and how Real Sociedad managed to neutralise one of the most dominant teams in European football.
Lineups & Formations
Pellegrino Matarazzo mainly set the home side up in a 4-4-2 shape.
Álex Remiro started in goal for Real Sociedad behind a back four of Jon Aramburu, Jon Martín, Igor Zubeldía and Sergio Gómez, from right to left.
Takefusa Kubo and Gonçalo Guedes played on the right and left wing, respectively, with Beñat Turrientes and Carlos Soler in the middle of the park.
Brais Méndez and Mikel Oyarzabal led Real Sociedads attack from the front.
Hansi Flick set the visitors up in their typical 4-3-3 shape.
Joan García played in net with Jules Koundé at right-back, Pau Cubarsí at right centre-back, Eric García at left centre-back and Alejandro Balde at left-back.
Frenkie de Jong sat in the holding midfield position behind Fermin López and Pedri.
Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo played off the right and left wing, respectively, with Ferrán Torres leading the line.
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Real Sociedad Pressure On Barcelona’s First Build-Up Line
Real Sociedad’s defensive plan was structured from the outset around a clear principle: to disrupt Barcelona during the earliest phases of progression, particularly in the first build-up line.
To achieve this, the txuri-urdin adopted a high 4-4-2 block, implementing an aggressive, well-organised press designed to disrupt Barcelona’s first passes and restarts.
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