Barcelona hunting for perfect 10 as red-hot streak rolls on to San Sebastián
Flick's men look to extend their nine-match La Liga winning run against Matarazzo's improving Real Sociedad side at the Reale Arena.
Barcelona head to the Reale Arena in absolutely sparkling form, riding the crest of a wave with 11 consecutive victories across all competitions.
Barça’s brilliant run
The Catalan giants haven’t tasted defeat since their Champions League setback against Chelsea on November 25th. Since that blip, they’ve been absolutely mustard:
- Nine straight La Liga wins on the bounce
- Fresh off claiming the Spanish Super Cup
- Safely through to Copa del Rey quarter-finals
- Looking to make it a perfect 10 league wins in a row
Hansi Flick’s men are sitting pretty at the summit of La Liga, and another three points would only strengthen their grip on top spot. The German gaffer has his squad purring like a well-oiled machine right now.
Team news
Flick wisely rotated his squad for Thursday’s Copa del Rey clash with Racing, meaning several key players should be fresh for tonight’s challenge:
- Pedri, Fermín and Eric García all expected to return to the starting XI
- Raphinha remains a major doubt after training separately in the gym
- The Brazilian winger may travel but likely won’t start
La Real finding form
Real Sociedad have struggled for consistency this season, but there are signs they’re turning a corner under new boss Pellegrino Matarazzo, who’ll be taking charge of just his fourth match.
The Basque side have shown improvement recently:
- Earned a solid point against Atlético Madrid
- Grabbed a late winner at Getafe
- Advanced in the Copa del Rey via penalties
Matarazzo is expected to field the same starting lineup that’s served him well in his first two league matches, with Jon Martín, Turrientes, Brais Méndez and Guedes all likely to return after being rested in midweek. The only potential change could see Zubeldia continue in central defence alongside Caleta-Car.
The hosts will be desperate to continue their upturn in form and put more distance between themselves and the relegation zone in what’s been a disappointing campaign by their usual standards.