La Liga 2017/18: Real Sociedad 2-4 Barcelona, Player ratings
FC Barcelona travelled to Anoeta, with only one intent in mind - to break the infamous victory less streak against Real Sociedad for the last decade.
The match started on an even note, both the teams tried to gain an upper hand on each other. However, the hosts turned out to be the better team as they quickly went 2-0 up by the thirtieth minute of the match. However, Paulinho then pulled one back for the Blaugrana.
The second half saw FC Barcelona coming out with all guns blazing as if they wanted to make a point. Well, they did. They scored three more after the restart courtesy a Luis Suarez brace and a Messi freekick. FC Barcelona went on to win the match with a scoreline of 4-2.
Here are the player ratings for either side.
Real Sociedad
Geronimo Rulli: 5.5/10
Rulli was solid throughout the match and effective when called upon. However, his clearance was poor from which eventually scored his second. He could have done better with Messi's freekick too.
Kevin Rodrigues: 5.5/10
This was not a match he would like to remember as he was beaten quite often by Roberto. Additionally, he was also disappointing in attack. If Sociedad wants to win in the next few matches, they need Kevin firing on full throttle rather than his performance in today's match
Diego Llorente: 7.5/10
A solid performance for the centre-back, he kept Suarez well in check for the entire duration of the match. Apart from that, he played the ball well out of his defence.
Raul Navas: 6.5/10
Like his centre-back partner, Navas too gave a solid performance at the heart of La Real’s defence. He was shaky on the ball sometimes and could have scored an own goal as he misplaced a clearance just wide of his own goalpost.
Alvaro Odriozola: 7/10
The right-back was full of energy and was Sociedad’s best player on the pitch. He owned the right flank for Sociedad, whether it was in defence or in the attack.
Xabi Prieto: 7/10
This was not a flashy performance for the Spanish midfielder, however, it was an effective one. He dispossessed Barcelona’s midfielders quite a few times and used the ball efficiently.
Asier Illaramendi: 6.5/10
Former, Real Madrid player, Illarramendi had a decent game. Though he was not much influential in the second half, he came out on top in the midfield battle against Barca’s midfield before the restart. His distribution was efficient if not eye-catching.
Zurutuza: 610
Like his partner in the middle of the ball, he too was solid defensively while looking effective on the few occasions he pushed forward. However, the second half saw him fade away before being replaced due to an unfortunate injury.
Juanmi: 6.5/10
Though he started well, he faded as the match wore on. He did not trouble Roberto much, thus letting the makeshift right back’s day easy. However, before he could slack a little bit he scored a beautifully crafted goal.
Sergio Canales: 5.5/10
Canales looked sharp in possession and enjoyed the ball at his feet. However, he just could not deliver the end product. He did win quite a few free-kicks, albeit in not so dangerous areas, which Real Sociedad could not capitalize on.
Willian Jose: 7.5/10
Up against Spanish international Gerard Pique, he held up the ball well and showed a good range of distribution. But the service to him was not good enough in the second half as he struggled to make a major impact. However, he did score with a peach of a header in the first half.
Substitutes
Igor Elorza: 4/10
He was brought on for an injured Zurutuza to carry on his good work. However, he could not execute his job well as Barcelona scored two more after his substitution
Oyarzabal: 5/10
Oyarzabal replaced Juanmi but could not affect the game much. His only highlights were in his hair.
Adnan Januzaj: N/A
Very late substitution did not have time to affect the game.