Barcelona will have one eye on their upcoming UEFA Champions League blockbuster against Paris Saint-Germain as they return to Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys to play a struggling Real Sociedad in La Liga.
Match News and Current Form
Hansi Flick became the third-fastest Barcelona manager to reach 50 competitive wins on Thursday - but not without drama. A Joan García howler saw them trail Real Oviedo before a second-half comeback earned a 3-1 victory to keep them within two points of leaders Real Madrid. Each of Barça’s last six league wins have seen them score at least three times, while this venue provides happy memories for them, as the Catalans have won nine of their last 11 La Liga games played here (D1, L1), with the lone loss coming in an inconsequential final home match of the previous campaign, as the title had already been secured.
A solitary goal was enough for Real Sociedad to defeat Mallorca on Wednesday for their first league win this season (D2, L3). Despite that victory, they sit just above the relegation zone at the start of this round of fixtures, and need to build momentum or risk missing out on European qualification, just as they did last term. La Real have a job on their hands to get something from this trip, as they have lost five of their last six La Liga away games (D1), failing to score in four of them.
Head-to-Head History
Barcelona won 4-0 here when the sides last met in March, making it 26 wins from their last 27 home league H2Hs (L1). Sociedad remain one of Barcelona’s favourite opponents to host, as 21 of those victories came in 22 matches in the 21st century - more than against any other club.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Barcelona have scored a league-high four goals after the 80th minute ahead of this round.
Barcelona have netted 3+ goals in 11 of their last 14 home games in all competitions.
Sociedad are yet to score after the 70th minute this season.
Sociedad have not kept a clean sheet in their last 17 away outings.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Robert Lewandowski helped save the day for Barcelona against Oviedo, scoring in the 70th minute, while he also netted the final goal in the 4-0 thrashing of Sociedad at this venue last season. Takefusa Kubo has never scored against Barça, but if he does here it could be early on, as his last five league strikes have come on or before the hour mark.
Barcelona midfielder Gavi is likely to be out until early 2026 following knee surgery, while Sociedad seemingly have no fresh injury concerns.
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Betting Analysis
There is little value in backing the hosts to win, but Barcelona to win and over 3.5 total goals could prove profitable.
Author: Sridhar Bhamidi