Barcelona 1-2 Real Sociedad: Player ratings for Blaugrana as champions falter on coronation night | La Liga 2022-23
Barcelona's first game since becoming La Liga champions ended in a 2-1 loss to Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou, but they lifted the title after the game.
Mikel Merino and Alexander Sorloth were the scorers for La Real before Robert Lewandowski pulled a late goal back for the Blaugrana. Barcelona ended their four-year wait for the top-flight crown last weekend following a 4-2 win at Real Valladolidm and fans thronged the Camp Nou to see their side play for the first time since then.
However, the Blaugrana failed to bring their A-game to the fore, and trailed after just five minutes as Merino finished Alexander Sorloth's cross through Marc-Andre ter Stegen's legs.
Minutes later, both sides were guilty of missing chances as Lewandowski failed to bury from six yards out, while Ander Barrenetxea wasted two chances in a space of four minutes. Interspersed between those misses was shot saved by Ter Stegen on Mohamed-Ali Cho.
Normalcy resumed thereafter, but Sociedad went into the break 1-0 ahead. Barcelona started the second half with a high tempo as they looked to break down their visitors' defence, but the Blaugrana instead played their way into trouble.
Frenkie de Jong got dispossessed by Ander Zubimendi and triggered a counter-attack that was eventually capped off by Sorloth with an easy finish beyond Ter Stegen.
The game seemed over but Xavi's side continued to push for a comeback. Lewandowski gave them some hope with a powerful header in the 90th minute, but it was too little too late. Nonetheless, they were awarded the title ,and the players broke into celebrations.
Barcelona remain on 85 points after 35 games, while Sociedad tightened their grip on the top-four race by going five points clear of fifth-placed Villarreal. On that note, here are the player ratings for Barcelona:
Marc-Andre ter Stegen - 6.5/10
He was beaten twice in the game but made four vital saves to keep Sociedad from increasing their lead.
Alejandro Balde - 7/10
The youngster was terrific off the ball, winning six ground duels and completing three tackles. He struggled to impose himself in attack but made e two key passes.
Jules Kounde - 5/10
He got dispossessed by Alexander Sorloth in the build-up to Sociedad's opening goal but recovered to make four clearances and one last-man tackle. Yet, the Frenchman was taken off at the break for Marcos Alonso.
Andreas Christensen - 7/10
The Dane held fort well and looked to push his side forward with a few long balls.
Jordi Alba - 6.5/10
The Spaniard was lacking in pace at times. Takefusa Kubo drew a foul out of him in a dangerous position late on. Alba also saw a shot saved by Alex Remiro.
Franck Kessie - 6.5/10
The Ivorian held up the ball superbly and was key to regaining possession. He won five of his six ground duels and completed 92% of his passes.
Sergio Busquets - 7/10
The Barcelona captain passed the ball around well and created one good chance for Jordi Alba in the first half.
Frenkie de Jong - 7.5/10
A very strong presence in midfield for Barcelona, winning back possession and looking strong in the air. He won nine ground duels and four aerial duels. His night, though, turned sour after Martin Zubimendi dispossessed him to start the counter-attack that eventually led to Sociedad's second goal.
Raphinha - 5/10
The Brazilian was once again poor and below his best. He failed to muster a single shot on target and lost the ball 18 times in 63 minutes of action.
Robert Lewandowski - 7.5/10
It was turning out to be one of his poor outings with Barcelona, but Lewandowski salvaged the night with a late header.
Ousmane Dembele - 7/10
A livewire down the left wing, Dembele won a staggering 15 ground duels and tested Sociedad with two good shots. His impact waned after he moved to the right following Ansu Fati's introduction in the game.
Ratings of Barcelona substitutes against Real Sociedad
Marcos Alonso (46' for Kounde) - 6/10
Not much of an upgrade from Kounde, except that he didn't get dispossessed at the back
Ferran Torres (63' for Kessie) - 7/10
He picked out Lewandowski with a superb cross from the right.
Ansu Fati (63' for Raphinha) - 6.5/10
A promising display but he needs to play more
Eric Garcia (84' for Busquets) - 6/10
Silky passes and one clearance to boot
Pablo Torre (87' for Dembele) - N/A
Not enough time to warrant a rating.