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Real Sociedad vs. FC Barcelona
While we already expect the third matchday in the Bundesliga this weekend, in the Spanish “La Liga” only matchday number two takes place. Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona meet in San Sebastian late on Sunday evening. The Blaugrana’s opener in particular was followed with much excitement, as the club launched a transfer offensive this summer that was actually impossible to finance. It was also the debut of Robert Lewandowski. In the end, the result was a disappointing 0:0 against Rayo Vallecano.
The Basques, on the other hand, had a successful start to the season, winning 1-0 away at FC Cadiz. Despite Barca’s unsuccessful start, the visitors are the favourites on Sunday evening. Individually, there is a lot of world class on the pitch. Find out if we think Barcelona will take their first three points of the season in this Real Sociedad – Barcelona betting tip.
Real Sociedad – Barcelona Info:
– Date & Time: 21.08.2022, 22:00 Uhr
– Venue: Reale Arena (San Sebastian)
– Competition: La Liga, Matchday 2
– TV broadcast: DAZN
Real Sociedad Form & Balance Check
Going into the opener in Cadiz is always an unpleasant task, but the Basques handled it solidly. Newcomer Kubo scored the goal in the narrow 1-0 win. The young Japanese player was signed on a permanent basis by Real Madrid. Mikel Oyarzabel, supposedly the best player in the squad, is still out with a torn cruciate ligament and will probably not return to the team until mid-October. But even without the 25-year-old, San Sebastian have a strong squad, with Alexander Isak in particular a much sought-after striker.
What’s in it for San Sebastian this season?
The development of San Sebastian is quite remarkable, as the club from the north of Spain has only been playing in La Liga again since 2010. After teething problems, they have always finished in single figures in the table in the last four years, reaching European competition twice in a row. Sociedad have become one of the best clubs in Spain’s top flight, so reaching international competition should be a realistic goal again this year.
Real Sociedad facts & analysis
– Last season, they conceded the fewest goals of any first division team in their own stadium (9).
– At the same time, Real Sociedad also scored the fewest goals in front of their home crowd
– 35 of last year’s 62 points were nevertheless taken at home
Barcelona Form & Balance Check
It is really bizarre what has happened in Barcelona in the last weeks and months. Although the club is heavily in debt, those responsible continue to spend money blithely. Due to the critical financial situation, some new signings were not yet eligible to play against Rayo Vallecano. The club is currently selling various TV rights for the next few years in order to repay its debts. But in sporting terms, there was no real progress to be seen at the start, although new signings such as Lewandowski, Kessie, Christensen and Raphinha have already made appearances. As a result, the Catalans are already under pressure.
Unrest at the club, the reason for the team’s poor performance?
Massive criticism is hailing Barcelona’s actions, as it seems a bit like the club is selling its soul. This unrest and side noise is certainly not going past the players either. Against fearful opponents Rayo Vallecano, the team looked enormously lethargic. Even newcomers like Robert Lewandowski have not yet shown the desired performance. But the Blaugrana should start winning as soon as possible, because anything other than a title with this squad would be a big disappointment.
Barcelona facts & analysis
– Lewandowski has not scored in an opening game since 2014.
– They were the second best team away from home last year
– Barca are without a goal of their own for a season-high three games
Predicted line-up – last updated 19 Aug 2022
Coach Alguacil doesn’t really have a reason for personnel changes, at most Munoz is an alternative to the injured Rico in the left-back position. Otherwise, all players from the win against Cadiz are fit.
Barca will inevitably have to do without Sergio Busquets, as the veteran received a yellow card against Rayo. This means that Kessie could make his starting debut. In the attacking front three, the super-talented Ansu Fati is an alternative to Raphinha, who failed to make an impression on the last match day.
Real Sociedad – Barcelona direct comparison & Statistics
150 times this duel has taken place in La Liga, and the Catalans have won a total of 86 games. The Basques, on the other hand, have “only” won 32 times. Above all, the more recent direct comparison speaks clearly in favour of the Blaugrana.
– Last season, Barca won both games against Real Sociedad (4:2 & 1:0).
– Barcelona have won ten of their last twelve duels
– The Catalans have not lost the last six games in San Sebastian
