Barcelona had to really struggle to secure all three points on their way back from San Sebastian. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goal proved to be the difference between the two sides, but the scoreline could’ve read very differently after the stipulated time.
Barcelona’s lack of intensity since returning from the international break has been a bit of a concern for Xavi and his team. Ever since hammering Atletico Madrid, Valencia, and Real Madrid by four goals, the Catalan giants have lost their steam.
They were knocked out of the Europa League by Eintracht Frankfurt last week and also saw their seven-game unbeaten run in the league come to an end against Cadiz at the Camp Nou.
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On Thursday, Barcelona had to sweat and toil to pick up all three points at Real Sociedad, but it could’ve so easily been otherwise.
In fact, it was the hosts’ poor finishing, especially in the second half, which allowed Xavi’s side to return from the Basque region with an important win under their belt. Sociedad forwards Alexander Isak and Alexander Sorloth missed several opportunities to restore parity in the contest.
Head coach Xavi Hernandez, who is known to put so much emphasis on style and domination, was critical of his team’s approach. Although he did praise their efforts and dedication, he was unhappy in general with the performance.
Explaining in details, Xavi put responsibility on the shoulders of his attackers who need to step up to the task.
“Until half way through [the second half] we didn’t have a long possession, but it’s the decision-making. It’s holding on, winning the battle, it’s touching it off for someone else. It’s being altruistic, having empathy, but in the end the forwards are missing something.”
Barcelona suffered once again in the second 45 minutes of the match and suffered from a drop in rhythm and concentration. Injuries to Ronald Araujo and Gerard Pique didn’t help their cause either, and Xavi stressed on how hard they had to fight to pick up the victory.
“The second half is not the way, the first is. Today wasn’t our ideal of play, but we competed, we are playing for our lives. The effort should be praised but we have to improve.”
Barcelona are now second in LaLiga with 63 points from 32 matches. They are level on points with Sevilla and 15 points behind league leaders Real Madrid, although, the Catalans do have a game in hand.
