On 16 August 2021, Barcelona vs Real Sociedad will play their first match in “La Liga” at the Camp Nou. I hope the match will be competitive. Two team will take the field hoping for their first win.
Barcelona won 3-0 against a strong Juventus side on Sunday night. This will add the much-needed momentum in the Lionel Messi-deficit Barcelona side ahead of the season opener. Barcelona are in search of a hero in the absence of Messi. The Cules will be expecting the likes of Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Antoine Griezmann to step up in the absence of Messi this season to carry Barcelona towards glory.
Match Details:
Match: Barcelona vs Real Sociedad
Date: 16th August, 2021
Stadium: Camp Nou
League: La Liga 2021-22
Match Preview:
Barcelona Preview:
Barcelona is bidding to bounce back from their Clasico disappointment, with a potentially tricky home game against Real Sociedad side, that is enjoying a fine season. La Real secured their place in the Copa del Rey Final in midweek, and they’d love to top that off by getting the better of the Catalans at Camp Nou.
Despite Barcelona’s problems, that is still far easier said than done. Barça has dropped just two home points all season in La Liga, and they’ve collected six more points on their patch than leaders Real Madrid have managed. It’s shaping up to be a tense title race, and this is one of the tougher remaining fixtures for Barcelona.
Real Sociedad Preview:
Real Sociedad have already held Barça this season. They’ve also beaten both Madrid clubs with their victory at Real Madrid, to the Copa del Rey Final. They are now favourites to end a 33 year major trophy drought with their date with Basque rivals Athletic in Seville to look forward to next month.
Imanol, who is perhaps deserving of a bit more credit for guiding this young Real Sociedad side through a wonderful campaign, opted to start Willian Jose over Alexander Isak at Mirandes on Wednesday night.
Head To Head:
Barcelona and Real Sociedad have played a total of 35 games against each other. Out of which Barcelona have won 23 of them and Real Sociedad have emerged victorious in 7 of them. Both the teams have shared the spoils in 5 of them. Barcelona won both the leg against Real Sociedad in the previous season. Barcelona won 2-1 in their home and thrashed Real Sociedad for a 1-6 away win.
Match Prediction:
Barcelona are the clear favorites to win the opener against Real Sociedad. Even without the services of Messi, the Barcelona side are strong enough to take down Imanol Alguacil’s team in their own backyard. Ronald Koeman will be keen to start his second term on a positive note.
Score Prediction: 2-1 Barcelona
Full Squad:
Barcelona:
Samuel Umtiti, Sergio Busquets, Miralem Pjanic, Marc-André ter Stegen, Norberto Murara Neto, Sergiño Dest, Gerard Piqué, Ronald Araújo, Eric García, Anssumane Fati, Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay Clément Lenglet, Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto, Ricard Puig, Philippe Coutinho, Pedri, Matheus Fernandes, Frenkie de Jong, Antoine Griezmann, Martin Braithwaite, Ousmane Dembélé, Trincão
Real Sociedad:
Álex Remiro, Mathew Ryan, Modibo Sagnan, Aihen Muñoz, Diego Rico, Kévin Rodrigues, Nacho Monreal, Andoni Gorosabel, Joseba Zaldua, Igor Zubeldia, Martín Zubimendi, Defensive Midfield, Asier Illarramendi, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ander Barrenetxea, Martín Merquelanz, Portu,Robin Le Normand, Aritz Elustondo, Adnan Januzaj, Alexander Isak, Willian José, Carlos Fernández, Jon Bautista,Mikel Merino, Ander Guevara, Jon Guridi, David Silva