The Blaugrana will be asking questions after their star striker saw a goal controversially ruled out for offside in their defeat at Reale Arena
Hansi Flick’s side produced one of their worst displays of the season as they were beaten 1-0 by Real Sociedad.
The biggest talking point of the game was Robert Lewandowski’s disallowed goal. The striker thought he had given Barcelona the lead when he reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box to fire home in the 13th minute. However, the semi-automated offside system ruled out the goal – though images suggest the technology may have made an error.
Things went from bad to worse later in the first half when Sheraldo Becker latched onto Luka Sucic’s flick-on before putting the hosts in front.
Barcelona looked disoriented without Lamine Yamal, who was ruled out with an injury suffered in midweek. His replacement Fermin Lopez was very poor while Raphinha couldn’t repeat his recent heroics, leaving the Blaugrana to suffer just their second defeat in the league this season.
Real Madrid’s win on Saturday means the gap at the top of La Liga is down to just six points as domestic action pauses for the international break.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Reale Arena…
GettyGoalkeeper & Defence
Inaki Pena (5/10):
Fine save early in the second half to keep it 1-0, but it was his mistake that made the chance possible.
Jules Kounde (4/10):
A disappointing evening for the Frenchman. Really poor error late in the first half nearly allowed Real Sociedad to make it 2-0.
Pau Cubarsi (5/10):
His beautiful pass through the lines to Frenkie de Jong in the first half was an example of his talent, but the 17-year-old struggled defensively as Becker and Mikel Oyarzabal caused Barcelona's back-line constant issues.
Inigo Martinez (6/10):
Oyarzabal's brilliant pressing prevented Martinez from breaking the lines in a frustrating affair.
Alejandro Balde (4/10):
Struggled mightily against the magnificent Takefusa Kubo.
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Marc Casado (5/10):
Seemed overwhelmed by Real Sociedad's relentless pressing.
Frenkie de Jong (5/10):
Still not back to his fluent best after such a long time out. Taken off at half-time after suffering an injury scare in the first period.
GettyAttack
Fermin Lopez (4/10):
Handed just his second league start of the season but failed to capitalise on the opportunity. Missed a great chance to equalise just before the hour mark when he blazed over the bar.
Pedri (6/10):
Played deeper in the second half after Dani Olmo’s introduction but still struggled to make an impact.
Raphinha (4/10):
Has been electrifying this season but was anonymous at Reale Arena. Flick needed the Brazilian to step up in Yamal's absence but he wasn't able to.
Robert Lewandowski (6/10):
Appeared to have a goal unfairly ruled out but was otherwise kept quiet.
AFPSubs & Manager
Dani Olmo (6/10):
Added some much-needed zeal to Barcelona's attack when he came on at half-time but couldn't get on the ball enough to trouble Imanol Alguacil's side.
Ansu Fati (5/10):
Couldn't trouble Sociedad's defence. Desperately needs more minutes.
Gavi (N/A):
Not given enough time to change the game.
Pau Victor (N/A):
Came on in second-half injury time as Barcelona chased a goal.
Hansi Flick (4/10):
Struggled to find solutions to counter Sociedad's press, which troubled Barcelona all evening. Will also be concerned by how toothless Barcelona's attack was without Yamal.
