Barcelona player ratings as Griezmann, Messi and Suarez salvage draw at Real Sociedad

Brendon Netto 22:02 14/12/2019
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  • Barcelona can count themselves fortunate to have salvaged a point at Real Sociedad on Saturday during a 2-2 draw.

    The hosts were comfortably the more dominant side, managing 19 shots to La Blaugrana’s nine and even enjoyed the greater share of possession.

    Mikel Oyarzabal put Real ahead from the spot in the 12th minute but former player Antoine Griezmann restored parity against the run of play seven minutes before the break.

    Lionel Messi then squared the ball for Luis Suarez to tap in and give the visitors the lead early in the second half but Alexader Isak made it 2-2 just past the hour-mark.

    STARTING XI (4-3-3)

    Ter Stegen 5 – May have done better for the second goal. Was only able to palm a cross to Isak who scored on the rebound.

    Roberto 5 – Had a quiet outing. Largely solid at the back but was out of position for the second goal and didn’t make an impact in attack.

    Lenglet 7 – Read the game superbly, making a staggering eight interceptions – as many as his team-mates mustered collectively.

    Pique 7 – Made some phenomenal blocks and cleared his lines 14 times. Nearly scored a winner but was denied with a clearance off the line.

    Alba 5 – Had a tough time dealing with Sociedad’s attacks down his side. Limited his ability to go forward himself.

    Rakitic 5 – Had one shot from range off target. Didn’t have a great influence on the game.

    Busquets 6 – Committed the foul to concede the penalty but also played a delightful pass over the top for Messi leading up to Barca’s second.

    De Jong 6 – Excellent in possession and lead his team for passes. Needs to be more incisive though.

    Messi 7 – Not his most dominant display but still a chief threat in the final third. Provided the assist for Suarez’s goal.

    Suarez 7 – Good movement up top. Played Griezmann in for Barca’s first and then tapped in the second.

    Griezmann 8 – Took a while to get into the game but threatened going forward. Excellent finish for his goal and ended with a good all-round display.

    SUBS

    Alena (73′) 6 – Good in possession when he came on. Never gave the ball away.

    Semedo (74′) 6 – Looked good in place of Alba, in defence and attack.

    Vidal (79′) N/A – Didn’t make much of an impact.

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