Hansi Flick’s Barcelona is flying right now. Fresh off a dominant Spanish Super Cup win against Real Madrid and a professional 2-0 dispatching of Racing Santander in the Copa del Rey, the momentum is undeniable. But as the squad heads to San Sebastian to face Real Sociedad at the Anoeta Stadium, things are getting a little complicated.
If you’re looking for who Barcelona playing today, the answer is a rejuvenated Real Sociedad side that finally seems to have found its feet under Pellegrino Matarazzo. It’s a Sunday night kickoff in Spain, and for Barcelona, it’s about protecting a four-point lead at the top of La Liga.
The Anoeta Curse and New Management
Honestly, San Sebastian used to be where Barcelona title charges went to die. While they’ve had a better record there lately, Matarazzo has turned La Real into a defensive nightmare for visiting teams. Since he took over from Sergio Fernandez, they’ve been grinding out results—a draw against Atletico, a win at Getafe. They aren't just sitting back anymore; they're playing with a swagger that suggests they smell blood.
Barcelona is tired. There’s no other way to put it. They’ve been playing every three days, and the toll is starting to show on the team sheet.
Starting Lineup Shakes and Raphinha’s Absence
The biggest news coming out of the Saturday morning training session wasn't who was there, but who wasn't. Raphinha is a major doubt. He didn't train with the group, and sources suggest he's dealing with a physical discomfort that might keep him out of the starting XI entirely.
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If he’s out, Flick has to pivot. We’re likely looking at Fermin Lopez stepping onto the left wing. Fermin has been the ultimate "game-changer" sub lately, but starting him out wide changes the dynamic compared to Raphinha’s relentless pressing.
Here is what the projected XI looks like:
- Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia (Stegen is still sidelined and reportedly close to a loan move to Girona).
- Defense: Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Alejandro Balde.
- Midfield: A double pivot of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong.
- Attack: Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo (as the CAM), Fermin Lopez, and Robert Lewandowski.
It’s a strong lineup, sure. But it’s missing that "Marcs" energy—Marc Bernal and Marc Casado are expected to start on the bench as Flick manages their heavy minutes.
The Weird Transfer Drama
Football never stops being weird. Right in the middle of a title race, Barcelona is dealing with the "Dro" Fernandez situation. The young midfielder reportedly activated his own €6 million release clause to force a move, possibly to the Premier League or Bundesliga. He won’t be on the plane to San Sebastian. Neither will Ter Stegen, whose knee injury and rumored loan exit have dominated the local papers this week.
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Real Sociedad, on the other hand, is feeling fresh. They beat Osasuna on penalties in the Cup on Tuesday, giving them two extra days of recovery compared to Barca. Watch out for Benat Turrientes in the middle of the park; he’s been the engine for Matarazzo’s new-look system.
Why This Match Matters for the Table
Real Madrid won their Saturday game against Levante, though the Bernabeu crowd still found time to boo despite the victory. That result closed the gap. If Barcelona slips up today, the title race is blown wide open again.
Barcelona currently sits on 49 points from 19 games. Real Madrid has 48, though they've played an extra game. A win today puts Barca back to a comfortable four-point cushion. A loss? Suddenly, that trip to Prague for the Champions League on Wednesday looks a lot more stressful.
Key Match Facts
The game kicks off at 21:00 local time (CET). For those watching in the US, it’s an early morning or midday affair depending on your coast. You can catch it on ESPN Deportes or Fubo. In the UK, it’s on Premier Sports.
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Expect a hostile environment. Anoeta is loud, the grass is usually slick, and Real Sociedad won this exact fixture last season. They know how to beat this version of Barcelona.
To stay on top of the action, monitor the official team sheets which usually drop 60 minutes before kickoff. If Raphinha isn't even on the bench, expect Barca to play a much more narrow, possession-heavy game through Dani Olmo. If you're betting or just following closely, keep an eye on whether Igor Zubeldia starts in defense for La Real or if the youngster Jon Martin gets the nod—that matchup against Lewandowski will decide the game.
Follow the live updates on the official La Liga app or the FC Barcelona social channels for the confirmed XI. Given the fatigue factor, the second-half substitutions from Flick will be more critical than the starting lineup itself.