Barcelona fell to a 1-0 defeat against Real Sociedad on Sunday evening, recording their first loss at the Anoeta since 2016.
The Catalan giants looked a shell of their usual selves when they travelled to face La Real in the league, missing the likes of 17-year-old Lamine Yamal. Usually reliable stars Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha were unable to get anything past Sociedad, while Barca failed to score a single goal for the first time in 31 years.
The league leaders will be pleased to see an international break around the corner after looking both fatigued and sloppy.
How the game unfolded
It was end-to-end football from the offset in the Basque Country.
Barcelona thought they had ran away with an early lead just minutes into the clash, as assured striker Lewandowski fired a shot into the back of the net. The Catalan side enjoyed momentary celebrations before VAR ruled the Polish international's effort narrowly offside.
Clearly motivated by Barca's close effort, Sociedad leaped into action. Takefusa Kubo almost put his side ahead on the half-hour mark, flicking a left-footed attack from the right side of the box towards Inaki Pena. The Barca shot-stopper made a clever save to deny the hosts the lead, but it didn't take long for Sociedad's efforts to materialise.
Sheraldo Becker made his strike count moments later, beating Pau Cubarsi to the box before sending the ball into the bottom right corner of the net.
La Real set the tone for the rest of the half, dominating possession and ending Barca's hopes of stealing one back. The visitors were lucky to return to their dressing room just one goal behind the high-flying hosts.
When play resumed, Barca still looked a long way off their usual greatness. They struggled to maintain possession, create chances and ultimately threaten their opponents.
The Catalans just could not find a way back into the game, with almost every player on the pitch failing to drive any advancing play. As the minutes ticked by, it became clear that La Real had derailed the Spanish leaders.
Barca headed into the November international break off the back of their second La Liga loss of 2024/25.
Barcelona player ratings (4-2-3-1)
GK: Inaki Pena - 6/10 - A very inconsistent showing from Pena between the sticks. His distribution and eagerness to clear the ball away from his box proved dangerous on multiple occasions, while his inability to cope with Sociedad's high press made him a liability at times.
RB: Jules Kounde - 5/10 - The usually reliable Kounde seemed to falter when met with La Real's attack. He often looked stranded on the right, attempting to play the ball forward while none of his teammates were ahead of him.
CB: Pau Cubarsi - 5/10 - Cubarsi was nervy, perhaps after his injury in midweek. He made a few line-breaking passes, but was no match for the likes of Becker.
CB: Inigo Martinez - 6/10 - Like his teammates, Martinez had an uncharacteristically poor outing. He looked slow when forced to compete with La Real's midfielders and misplaced important passes.
LB: Alejandro Balde - 5/10 - Balde misplaced almost all of his crosses and struggled to facilitate any chances for his side. The left-back struggled to outsmart Kubo - allowing his opponent to run away with chances,
DM: Marc Casado - 6/10 - Seemed to look more confident when Dani Olmo came into the game at half-time, but still made almost no impact in midfield. Cascado refused to get involved in any useful duels.
DM: Frenkie de Jong - 4/10 - De Jong played just 45 minutes but had a very long evening against La Real. Fitness issues have plagued the midfielder, and once again he was hesitant to get stuck in. Left the field in discomfort.
RW: Fermin Lopez - 4/10 - Came into the game in place of Lamine Yamal but made no comparisons with the talented youngster. Lopez did not deliver a single chance or shot on target, failing to offer anything from the right.
AM: Pedri - 6/10 - Shifted towards the left side of the pitch in the second-half and was able to offer more from there. Was forced to cover for a number of his teammates, leaving behind his usual duties.
LW: Raphinha - 6/10 - Struggled to receive any service from his teammates and therefore found it hard to attempt any shots in the final third. His technical ability only went so far in this game.
ST: Robert Lewandowski - 5/10 - Was unlucky to see his first attempt ruled offside, but Lewandowski had almost no involvement in the game after his initial strike.
Substitutes
SUB: Dani Olmo (45' for De Jong) - 5/10
SUB: Ansu Fati (68' for Lopez) - 6/10
SUB: Gavi (84' for Kounde) - N/A
SUB: Pau Victor (90' for Pedri) - N/A
Subs not used: Sergi Dominguez, Ander Astralaga (GK), Wojciech Szczesny (GK), Andreas Cuenca, Gerard Martin, Pablo Torre.
Manager
Hansi Flick - 5/10 - Flick will pleased to see the November international break on the horizon after Sunday's defeat. His side looked tired and weak against La Real.
Player of the match -Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad)
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