Barcelona aim to extend their winning streak to 12 matches when they face Real Sociedad in La Liga on Sunday evening. The leaders sit one point ahead of Real Madrid after the latter's 2-0 victory over Levante, with a win restoring a four-point lead. Real Sociedad, 13th in the table, remain unbeaten since mid-December.
The match at Anoeta Stadium pits Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, against a resilient Real Sociedad side. Barcelona have won their last 11 games across all competitions, building confidence ahead of this clash. A victory would solidify their position at the top of La Liga, where they currently lead Real Madrid by one point following Madrid's recent win.
Real Sociedad, sitting 13th, have not lost since mid-December and could climb into the top half with a surprise result. They have already suffered four home defeats this season, adding pressure to their performance at Anoeta. Historically, three of the last four encounters between the teams there ended 1-0, and Barcelona have lost to Sociedad in two of the past three seasons.
Barcelona's two league defeats this season both occurred away, against Real Madrid and Sevilla, making this trip crucial. The visitors' away form will be tested against a Sociedad team seeking to exploit any vulnerabilities.
Confirmed lineups provide insight into strategies. Real Sociedad start with Remiro in goal, defended by Aramburu, Zubeldia, Martin, and Gomez, midfield featuring Soler, Turrientes, Kubo, Mendez, and Guedes, with Oyarzabal up front. Substitutes include Elustondo, Barrenetxea, and Sucic.
Barcelona field Garcia in goal, with Kounde, Cubarsi, Garcia, and Balde in defense, Pedri and De Jong in midfield, supported by Yamal, Ferran, and Fermin. Key subs include Ter Stegen, Cancelo, Araujo, Rashford, and Lewandowski, the latter benched for this outing.
The game broadcasts live on Premier Sports 2 in the UK, with streaming available online.