Real Sociedad 1-0 Barcelona: Player ratings as Sheraldo Becker sinks high-flying Barcelona as Anoeta curse returns

Real Sociedad beat Barcelona 1-0 at the Anoeta in LaLiga on Sunday. Sheraldo Becker struck the only goal of the game in the 33rd minute that eventually made all the difference. In a rare game of struggle for Hansi Flick’s side, the Catalans failed to muster a single effort on target despite 11 shots in the match and 70% of possession. It was almost like the Anoeta curse reared its ugly head over them again, and Barcelona succumbed to just their second top-flight loss of the season. Here are the player ratings:

Real Sociedad Player Ratings vs Barcelona

Goalkeeper

Alex Remiro – 7

Wasn’t really tested by the Barcelona attack and bagged a clean sheet too.

Defenders

Jon Aramburu – 6

Looked woefully slow as the right-back was dribbled past five times in the game.

Igor Zubeldia – 7.5

Made seven clearances, blocked three shots and made three interceptions for a solid display in defense.

Nayef Aguerd – 7.5

Perfectly complimented Zubeldia in defense with proper positioning and willingness to intervene.

Aihen Munoz – 6.5

Struggled to get involved much.

Midfielders

Martin Zubimendi – 7

Strong in the air and expertly regained the ball a few times.

Forwards

Takefusa Kubo – 7.5

Played a key role in winning back possession and created a few chances too.

Luka Sucic – 7.5

Bagged the assist for Becker’s goal.

Brais Mendez – 7.5

Laid three key passes and eight crosses for an exceptional display in the offense.

Sheraldo Becker – 8.5

Struck the only goal of the match that made the difference between the sides.

Mikel Oyarzabal – 5

Surprisingly quiet as the Spaniard was boxed up by Barcelona’s defense.

Substitutes

Aritz Elustondo – 7

Looked solid in defense and closed down his markers expertly.

Sergio Gomez – 6

Was willing to get involved but came away with mixed results.

Ander Barrenetxea – 5

Missed a big chance to score in the game.

Orri Oskarsson – 5.5

Struggled to win his duels.

Javi Lopez – N/A

Came on for the final few minutes of the match.

Manager

Imanol Alguacil – 7.5

Set his side out to frustrate Barcelona and succeeded.

Barcelona Player Ratings vs Real Sociedad

Goalkeeper

Inaki Pena – 7

Made some vital saves to frustrate Sociedad but looked nervous at times too.

Defenders

Jules Kounde – 6

Excessively sloppy on the ball although key to winning back possession.

Pau Cubarsi – 7

Strong in the air, winning six of his seven aerial duels, and distributed the ball around superbly.

Inigo Martinez – 6.5

Fought hard in his duels and was generally a reliable figure in defense.

Alejandro Balde – 7

A thorn in Sociedad’s flesh with his ball-winning capability, and made some crucial crosses upfront too.

Midfielders

Marc Casado – 6.5

Drove forward well to get involved a few times.

Frenkie de Jong – 7

The Dutchman pulled the strings with his distribution skills but was taken off at the break.

Fermin Lopez – 5.5

Struggled to get involved much.

Pedri – 7.5

A key figure in the attack with four crosses and two key passes.

Raphinha – 7.5

Laid eight crosses and two key passes.

Robert Lewandowski – 5

An uncharacteristically poor game from the Polish star, who failed to muster a single effort in the match.

Substitutes

Dani Olmo – 6

Came on for the second half when Barcelona needed some inspiration in the attack but offered no great shakes.

Ansu Fati – 6

Fought valiantly for the ball but no real impact.

Gavi – 6.5

Made some good passing in whatever limited time that he had.

Pau Victor – N/A

Was sent on to merely see the game off.

Manager

Hansi Flick – 6

A shock loss for a manager who’s had a great run since taking over.