Barça look to extend flying form against resurgent La Real at Anoeta
League leaders Barcelona face a Real Sociedad side unbeaten under new boss Pellegrino Matarazzo in a Sunday night La Liga clash at Anoeta.
Barcelona’s trophy-hunting machine rolls into San Sebastián as the newly-crowned Supercopa champions face a Real Sociedad side finding their feet under fresh management.
Form Guide
The Catalan giants are absolutely flying at the moment. Top of La Liga with a whopping 49 points, they’ve just added the Supercopa to their trophy cabinet after seeing off Real Madrid. Hansi Flick’s men also secured their Copa del Rey quarter-final spot midweek, making it a proper treble of good news for the blaugrana faithful.
La Real might be stuck in mid-table (12th with 21 points), but don’t be fooled - they’re a different proposition since Pellegrino Matarazzo took the reins in late December. The Txuri-urdin haven’t tasted defeat under the American gaffer and will fancy their chances of causing an upset at Anoeta.
Previous Meeting
Barcelona edged a tight affair 2-1 when these sides met earlier this season, but Real Sociedad have often proved tricky opponents for the Catalans, especially on home soil.
Match Details
- When: Sunday, January 18th, 21:00 local time
- Where: Reale Arena (Anoeta), San Sebastián
- Watch: Live on DAZN
- Context: La Liga Matchday 20
What to Expect
With both teams successfully navigating their Copa del Rey ties midweek, fatigue could be a factor. However, Barcelona’s squad depth might give them the edge in that department.
La Real will be desperate to continue their unbeaten run under Matarazzo, while Barcelona can’t afford any slip-ups if they want to maintain daylight between themselves and the chasing pack.
This has all the makings of a proper Bobby Dazzler! The technical quality of La Real against Barcelona’s relentless attacking machine. My money’s on goals, but I wouldn’t bet my dog and bone on the outcome.