No Raphinha, No Party: Barcelona's Brazilian-shaped hole exposed at La Real
Barcelona's struggles without their key Brazilian winger continue as they slip to another defeat at Real Sociedad, with VAR drama and woodwork frustrations adding to their woes.
Barcelona’s dependence on Raphinha becomes more obvious with each passing game, as Flick’s men struggled to find their cutting edge in San Sebastián.
The Brazilian-shaped hole
In a squad dripping with talent, it might seem daft to suggest Barcelona are overly reliant on one player. Yet the numbers don’t lie - without Raphinha, the Catalan giants simply aren’t the same outfit.
The Brazilian stayed home nursing some niggles with Champions League fixtures on the horizon, and blimey did they miss him. Barça have now lost all their La Liga matches without him this season (against Sevilla and Real Madrid), plus struggled in Europe when he’s been absent or limited to substitute appearances.
Of their five defeats across all competitions this term, Raphinha has featured for just 30 minutes total. With seven goals and three assists in La Liga, his absence left Barcelona toothless when it mattered most.
VAR takes center stage
If you’re partial to a bit of video technology drama, this was right up your street. The VAR room was busier than Oxford Circus at rush hour:
- Real Sociedad had a goal chalked off after just 26 seconds
- Barcelona saw strikes from both Fermín and Lamine Yamal disallowed
- A penalty initially awarded to Lamine was reversed for offside
- Carlos Soler eventually saw red after VAR review for a dangerous tackle on Pedri
Battle of the keepers
Two top-drawer goalkeepers showcased their talents, but it was Remiro who earned the standing ovation. The Real Sociedad stopper produced four spectacular saves to deny Olmo, Lamine, Ferran and Lewandowski - the last one absolutely world-class.
Both Remiro and Joan García are pushing for World Cup spots, but on this evidence, the Real Sociedad man has the edge.
Olmo’s woodwork woes
Talk about having your chips! Dani Olmo couldn’t buy a goal despite being Barcelona’s most dangerous player. After struggling with his finishing in the first half, the second period saw him hit the woodwork twice in just two minutes. Sometimes it’s just not your day.
Cancelo returns
Joan Cancelo made his first appearance for Barcelona in 18 months, coming on for Alejandro Balde in the second half. Deployed on the left flank, the Portuguese specialist immediately improved Barça’s attacking threat, providing a perfect cross for Koundé that ultimately went begging.