MX23RW : Tuesday, November 5 13:40:46| >> :120:12242:12242:
[monks data]
Real Sociedad logo
La Liga
Jan 4, 2015 at 8pm UK
 
Barcelona logo

1-0

Alba (2' og.)
FT(HT: 1-0)

Player Ratings: Real Sociedad 1-0 Barcelona

Sports Mole analyses how each individual player performed during Real Sociedad's 1-0 win over Barcelona in La Liga.

Jordi Alba scored an own goal as Barcelona lost 1-0 at Real Sociedad in La Liga on Sunday evening.

Victory for Barca would have taken them top of the table, but they were beaten at the Anoeta for the fourth time in five seasons.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each individual player performed during the Spanish affair.


Real Sociedad's players celebrate a goal during the Spanish league football match Real Sociedad vs Atletico de Madrid at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian on November 9, 2014© Getty Images

REAL SOCIEDAD

Goal

Geronimo Rulli: Justified David Moyes's faith with an excellent display. Brilliantly denied Luis Suarez in the second period, in addition to making a number of point-blank saves. (8/10)

Defence

Carlos Martinez: In the right place at the right time on more than one occasion in the second period. Made a number of crucial clearances in what was an excellent performance. (8/10)

Inigo Martinez: Man-of-the-match performance from the centre-back, who made it difficult for Suarez to influence the match. Did not put a foot wrong at the Anoeta. (9/10)

Ion Ansotegi: Lacked the pace to match Neymar and Lionel Messi in the second period, but the Spaniard used all of his experience to take up clever positions late on. (7/10)

Alberto de la Bella: Caused Barca problems with his attacking work in the first period, before producing a sound defensive performance in the second 45 minutes. (7/10)

Midfield

Chory Castro: Did not see too much of the ball, but provided a good outlet in the final third and won a number of free kicks during vital periods of the match. (7/10)

Markel Bergara: Hardly ventured into the Barcelona half as he provided a layer of protection to his back four. Used his intelligence in the second period. (7/10)

Esteban Granero: Seems to be a favourite of Moyes and the Spaniard again produced for the Scot here. Classy in possession and always willing to track back. (7/10)

Xabi Prieto: A real captain's performance from the experienced midfielder, who marshalled his troops in the middle of the park. Was also a threat in the final third. (7/10)

Sergio Canales: Put in the cross for Sociedad's goal and always looked dangerous in possession of the ball. Will be key to the Basque side's chances of success this season. (7/10)

Attack

Carlos Vela: Did not see too much of the ball during his 90 minutes on the field, but the Mexican never stopped working and played a crucial role in his side's pressing game. (7/10)

Substitutes

Alfred Finnbogason: Introduced with little under 25 minutes remaining and the striker made a positive impact. Occupied Barca's two centre-backs and had a couple of half-chances. (6/10)

Ruben Pardo: Replaced Vela on the 90-minute mark and the Spaniard helped his side quell the Barcelona threat in the final moments. (6/10)

Yuri Berchiche: Only given the final 60 seconds or so. (5/10)


Luis Suarez of FC Barcelona reacts as he fail to score during the La Liga match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadi de Mestalla on November 30, 2014© Getty Images

BARCELONA

Goal

Claudio Bravo: Did not have much to do aside from pick the ball out of his own net two minutes in. (6/10)

Defence

Martin Montoya: Another start suggests that the right-back will now not be leaving Barca this month. Decent enough at the back, but the Spaniard needed to show more composure in attack. (6/10)

Javier Mascherano: A lot steadier than centre-back partner Jeremy Mathieu, but the Argentine did not carry the ball into midfield as often as he should have done. (6/10)

Jeremy Mathieu: Was a shade fortunate not to pick up a second yellow card in the early stages of the second period. Had a very uncomfortable evening at the Anoeta. (5/10)

Jordi Alba: Headed into his own net after attempting to clear a near-post cross. That said, the Spaniard was still the best of his side's defenders on the night. (6/10)

Midfield

Andres Iniesta: Had a couple of long-range attempts, but never came close to scoring. Needed to do more in the first period when Messi was still on the bench. (6/10)

Xavi: Was not given much space by the Sociedad midfield and the Spaniard therefore struggled to make his mark. Could not find that decisive pass. (6/10)

Sergio Busquets: Stopped a number of Sociedad counter-attacks with some excellent challenges in the second period. Needed more than those around him, though. (6/10)

Attack

Pedro: Fired an early chance over the crossbar, but faded badly as the match progressed. Was eventually withdrawn just before the hour mark. (6/10)

Luis Suarez: Had a golden chance late on, but could not round the Sociedad goalkeeper. Worked hard, but not much fell for the striker in the final third. (6/10)

Munir El-Haddadi: Surprisingly handed a start in a wide area, but the youngster really struggled. Hardly featured before being hooked at the interval. (5/10)

Substitutes

Lionel Messi: Called for at the interval and the Argentine certainly made a difference in the second period. However, he could not bail his side out on this occasion. (7/10)

Neymar: Replaced Pedro just before the hour and like Messi, made a difference. Had a couple of half-chances, but could not find that telling touch in the final third. (6/10)

Dani Alves: Given the final 20 minutes and the Brazilian certainly provided more in the final third than Montoya. (6/10)


ID:197130: cacheID:197130:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:8884:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Head coach David Moyes of Real Sociedad de Futbol waves prior to start the La Liga match between RC Deportivo La Coruna and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Riazor Stadium on November 22, 2014
Read Next:
Match Analysis: Real Sociedad 1-0 Barcelona
>
Read more about Jordi Alba Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona12110140112933
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Leganes122551216-411
16Getafe12174810-210
17Espanyol123181122-1110
18Las PalmasLas Palmas122371321-89
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!