Usually Xavi’s Barcelona is a team that enjoys controlling the ball and even holds it in most stages of the game, but tonight (Thursday) the story was different. Barça looked bad, were less dangerous than Real Sociedad and held the ball only 44% of the time, but defeated the Basques 0: 1, stopped a streak of two losses and returned to second place in the league table, this in the 33rd round of La Liga. The game, like all Spanish league games, was broadcast on Channel ONE for HOT subscribers, yes subscribers, Cellcom TV and Partner TV.
The game opened with a storm and already in the 11th minute Barça’s excellent attack, which also included a kick from Osman Dembele to the crossbar, ended with an impressive bounce from Fran Torres to Pierre Emerick Obmiang, who soon hit lightly into the net. The Catalans continued to put pressure, but did not get any more significant opportunities on Alex Ramiro’s goal. In the 43rd minute the equalizer almost came, that Alexander Isaac found himself alone against Mark Andre Ter Stegen, but the Swedish striker carelessly kicked out and Xavi’s side went down to half with a small advantage.
The second half was completely controlled by the Basques, who did not stop threatening Ter Stegen’s goal, but time and time again the attacking players in white and blue missed from winking situations, and the German at the gate was in place with outstanding saves when the kicks came to the frame. The host, who was close to conquering the equalizer, was superior in front of the home crowd, but failed to achieve the desired goal and recorded a disappointing loss for her. Xavi had to make two forced substitutions when Ronald Araujo and Danny Alves were injured during the match, but he and all Barça fans will hope the two recover soon.
It was difficult, but Barcelona returned to the winning track after the 1: 0 losses to Cadiz and 3: 2 to Frankfurt with three important points, which raised its balance to 63 points and it to second place in the table. On the other hand, Real Sociedad, dreaming of a place in the top 4, suffered a significant blow in their ambitions and was left with 55 points even though they were more dangerous than their Catalan rival.