Barcelona flounder as winless run at Real Sociedad continues with draw

Lionel Messi was on hand to rescue a point for Barcelona as his side fell six points behind rivals Real Madrid. Barcelona’s attack will regain its precision after his inclusion in the team.

And the club’s former midfielder argued Barcelona were lucky to return home with a point, even describing his team’s display as “disastrous”.

Barca host Madrid at the Camp Nou next weekend and with a six-point gap between the two teams already, he had better make sure there is dramatic improvement for the visit of Los Blancos.

In summary, then, Barcelona could do without a trip to Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Gerard Pique concedes it will be hard for Barcelona to retain their league title if they continue to play at the level they showed in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad. “It was our attitude”.

There was also a clear tactic to test a perceived weakness against full-back Jordi Alba in the air, with Xabi Prieto twice going close with headers from left-wing crosses, the second of which was directed wide when he was all alone six yards out. “We can’t afford to play badly because we need to win”.

Valencia coach Cesare Prandelli has lamented a psychological block affecting his players after a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to rock bottom Granada left Los Che still just two points above the drop zone last weekend.

Neymar finally forced goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli into action to parry his free kick in the 50th.

Sociedad had been by far the better side and were good value for the lead when the breakthrough came shortly after half-time, with Willian Jose’s effort being sliced into his own goal by Gerard Pique as he covered the goal line. While Suarez was suspended after accumulating five yellow cards, Messi was a last-minute casualty due to an illness.

Do this pre-match, during the match and of course post-match as we’re looking for your thoughts and views so share some of those below, in the forum and throughout the site!

Neymar started up front for Barca despite suffering a minor auto accident in his Ferrari on Sunday morning. “When they are on form, they come together and do things like they did against Celtic”.

Ibai and Victor Camarasa struck first-half goals as Alaves recorded a surprise 2-0 victory at high-flying Villarreal.

Iago Aspas scored his seventh league goal and Theo Bongonda added a second for Celta Vigo.