Barcelona vs Real Sociedad
Spain – La Liga
Date: Sunday, 15 August 2021
Kick-off at 19:00 UK/ 20:00 CET
Venue: Camp Nou.
The Catalans are about to face a stern test in their opener. They have strengthened their attack, but defensive issues still persist, and they are about to take on the in-form Sociedad. Chances are high for goals to come in huge numbers this Sunday.
Barca are still suffering the problems created by the Bartomeu management. Their talisman and captain Leo Messi left for free this summer, while players like Samuel Umtiti, Miralem Pjanic continue on the bench without contributing anything – and on exorbitant wages
The absence of Messi will definitely be noted at the front, but the addition of Memphis Depay, Yusuf Demir etc should manage it barely. But sadly, the backline that conceded 8 against Bayern Munich are still at the club, and this is a serious problem.
Last time around, the team had finished third in the table, and though they had scored the most number of goals in the competition, they had also conceded the most amongst the top-five teams in the table.
In the meantime, Sociedad had finished fifth in standings, and thus secured a ticket to the Europa League. This time around, they will be going after a top-four finish, and they will hope to begin with a win against one of the best teams in Spain.
In fact, a victory against Barca in the opener should be such a confidence-boost, that it would set a tone for the rest of the campaign.
By the looks of things, expect goals in plenty from both sides this Sunday.
Barcelona vs Real Sociedad: Head-to-head (h2h)
- Nine of the former eleven encounters had three or more goals.
- 10 of the past 13 clashes had goals from both teams.
- At home, Ronald Koeman’s men are on an incredible streak of 25 victories.
- The latest meeting at this stadium had ended in a 2-1 win for the hosts.
Barcelona vs Real Sociedad Prediction
Goals have always come in plenty between these two teams, and particularly at this stadium. In fact, the latest h2h encounter between these two was a seven-goal affair, and it had taken place this March.
Going on, while attack has never been an issue for the Catalans, their defense is a problem to be concerned about – and this is what Sociedad will be focusing on.
They had won six of their past eight overall games, and they surely will be able to deal with the out-of-form defense of the five-time European champions.
And finally, at the Nou Camp, Barcelona will be able to find the back of the net at any cost – that’s what history suggests.
Likely, expect a goal-fest this Sunday between the two teams.