Barcelona will aim to solidify their position at the top of La Liga when they host Real Sociedad at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys today. With Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid both playing on Saturday, the Catalan giants will be fully aware of what they need to do to stay ahead in the title race.
Barcelona’s Title Ambitions at Stake
The Blaugrana have 54 points from 25 matches, level with Real Madrid and just one point ahead of Atletico Madrid. A dip in form at the end of 2024 saw them slip in the title race, but they have since regained momentum with five consecutive La Liga wins.
However, their recent 4-4 draw against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg exposed defensive vulnerabilities. Hansi Flick’s men will be eager to return to winning ways and keep their La Liga charge on track.
Can Real Sociedad Upset Barcelona?
Real Sociedad have picked up 34 points in 25 games, sitting in 9th place but only a point behind 6th-placed Rayo Vallecano. While inconsistent, they remain in contention for European football next season.
La Real head into this fixture after a 1-0 loss to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final. They will need to step up significantly to challenge Barcelona away from home, given their poor record at this venue.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Barcelona Team News & Predicted XI
Hansi Flick will be without Marc-André ter Stegen and Marc Bernal, but Andreas Christensen is back in contention. Expect a few rotations from the Copa del Rey lineup, with regular starters returning to face Real Sociedad.
The German coach will stick to his 4-2-3-1 formation, with Wojciech Szczesny continuing in goal. Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde will operate as full-backs, while Ronald Araújo partners Pau Cubarsí in central defense.
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will dictate play, while Gavi will operate as an attacking midfielder. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will provide width, supporting Robert Lewandowski, who leads the line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Szczesny; Koundé, Araújo, Cubarsí, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Real Sociedad Team News & Predicted XI
The visitors will be without Sheraldo Becker and Takefusa Kubo, both suspended. However, Igor Zubeldia returns after serving a ban.
Manager Imanol Alguacil is expected to deploy a 4-5-1 formation, prioritizing defensive stability and counter-attacks. Álex Remiro starts in goal, with Jon Aramburu and Javi López as full-backs, while Zubeldia partners Nayef Aguerd in central defense.
In midfield, Martín Zubimendi anchors the team, with Pablo Marín and Luka Sučić supporting him. Ander Barrenetxea and Sergio Gómez will provide width, while Mikel Oyarzabal leads the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-5-1):
Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Javi López; Barrenetxea, Marín, Zubimendi, Sučić, Gómez; Oyarzabal
Key Stats
- Barcelona have won 35 of their last 51 meetings against Real Sociedad, who have just 8 wins.
- The Blaugrana have an exceptional home record, winning 25 of their last 26 home matches against Real Sociedad.
- La Real have beaten Barcelona twice in their last four La Liga encounters after a run of 16 games with just one win.
- Barcelona have scored in each of their last 37 home La Liga games against Real Sociedad (87 goals).
- Hansi Flick’s side are on a five-game winning streak in La Liga.
Player to Watch – Lamine Yamal
At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal has been a standout performer this season, contributing 28 goals and assists in 34 appearances. His pace, dribbling ability, and creativity have made him a key player for Barcelona.
With Real Sociedad missing key defensive players, Yamal could exploit their weaknesses and make a decisive impact in this clash.
Barcelona vs Real Sociedad Prediction
Barcelona 2-0 Real Sociedad
Barcelona’s superior home form and attacking quality should be too much for Real Sociedad to handle. While the visitors have shown they can cause problems, Hansi Flick’s side are expected to secure a comfortable 2-0 win and stay on course for the La Liga title.
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