Eric Garcia 8, Yamal 8.5 | Real Sociedad 2-1 Barcelona: Player Ratings | OneFootball

Barcelona’s clash against Real Sociedad at Anoeta was a queer one in every sense of the word as they dominated a large part of it to never take the lead.

The Catalans had three goals disallowed in the opening half and Real Sociedad eventually took the lead through a great finish. Barcelona, meanwhile, had chances coming their way but were ironically narrowly offside on most moves.

Eventually, Marcus Rashford handed the team a much-needed equaliser, only for La Real to bounce back seconds later to take a 2-1 lead. The leaders simply could not capitalise on any of their chances.

Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Real Sociedad 2-1 Barcelona.

Joan Garcia: 6.5

The goalkeeper did not have a whole lot to do in the first half for Real Sociedad did not have too many goal attempts. He even got a glove to the strike which eventually gave them the lead, but it had far too much power on it for him to make any difference.

Made a brilliant save initially for the second goal conceded but could not do much about the follow-up strike.

Alejandro Balde: 7

Balde played an extremely high position on the night, especially with the team starting without a natural left-winger. He drifted into the final third regularly to create vertical threat and constantly looked to send in crosses.

Real Sociedad’s opener, notably, came off a cross from his side of the field, and understandably so given his position.

Eric Garcia: 8

The academy graduate was rock-solid in defence, maintained the high defensive line to good effect and excelled with his distribution against Real Sociedad.

He led the department at Anoeta, keeping Barcelona largely comfortable at the back, and stepped up with several clutch tackles.

Pau Cubarsi: 7.5

Cubarsi looked more comfortable than usual having Garcia alongside him and the duo struck up a good partnership that neatly played the ball out from the back time and time again. 

Made a stunning goal-line clearance in the 75th minute to keep Barcelona in the game.

Jules Kounde: 6.5

Kounde did not foray into La Real’s box as much as he usually does into opposition boxes except late in the first half when the team were desperately pushing for a goal. Tracked back to good effect and kept his wing largely clear of attacking threats.

Frenkie de Jong: 7.5

The Dutchman was superb playing as Barcelona’s pivot, providing great stability and playmaking through the middle.

His combination with Pedri ensured that Barcelona were always in control of the proceedings and transitioned quickly.

Pedri: 7.5

Pedri’s speed switching direction and releasing the ball was key for so many of Barcelona’s quick build-ups on the night and he even did well to find De Jong for an opener that was ruled out for offside. 

He was simply unchallengeable in possession and drove through Real Sociedad’s midfield with ease, single-handedly adding verticality to Barcelona’s build-up.

Fermin Lopez: 8

The attacking midfielder scored a great opener for Barcelona, but had the goal ruled out for a foul by Dani Olmo in the buildup.

Continued to threaten throughout the half and was one of Barcelona’s most important players in the attacking department.

Dani Olmo: 7

Olmo’s foul cost Barcelona their opener in the first ten minutes, but the player did largely well beyond that incident.

He looked like his comfortable self in possession, combined well in tight areas and even linked up well with Lamine Yamal to create opportunities.

Lamine Yamal: 8.5

Yamal and Barcelona were unlucky at Anoeta. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The youngster had an extremely unfortunate night as he had one goal ruled out for a laughable offside by millimetres and another penalty ruled out for the same reason as well.

He was unstoppable down the right flank and looked close to his best with his dribbles and attempts on goal. Earned the assist for Rashford’s goal.

Ferran Torres: 5.5

A night to forget for Ferran Torres. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Perhaps Barcelona’s least impressive player of the first half, Torres was largely invisible and did not get into any good goalscoring position through the 45 minutes. In fact, he completed just nine passes in the opening period.

Marcus Rashford: 7.5

An instant impact from Rashford. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Came on and made an immediate impact with a great header to get past Alex Remiro and hand Barcelona a short-lived equaliser.