To keep up the pace with rival Real Madrid in La Liga, Barcelona needs to break their losing streak at Anoeta and win their upcoming match against Real Sociedad this Sunday.
Barcelona has not won a game against the home base of Real Sociedad since 2007. Since then, Barca has suffered five losses and a draw. The match this Sunday is an important one for the Blaugranes to keep up with Real Madrid. If they lose, they will be six points behind their fierce rivals in the next clásico between Barcelona and the Bernabéu in December 3.
There are plenty of reasons why Barca is having a hard time winning against Real Sociedad at their home turf, as per Sports. There is the issue of timing, as usually Barcelona is playing Champions League matches in between the traditional clash against Sociedad. And for some reason, managers think it's a good idea to rotate players at Anoeta. Last year, Messi and Neymar were missing from the lineup against Sociedad at Anoeta which ended favorably for the latter.
Javier Giraldo from Sports points out that the issue might also stem from Barca's overconfidence, as Barcelona is usually leading the pack in La Liga when they arrive in Sebastian and feeling that the league is already half-won. Not to mention that Barca might underestimate Real Sociedad as they have no problem defeating them in Camp Nou.
If Barcelona's front three Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez can keep their top form against Sociedad this Sunday, the club might finally enjoy a win at Anoeta. Based on their recent performance, Neymar and Messi remains at peak form, and Suarez is finally back from suspension, as noted by James Dudko from Bleacher Report. This might be the year Barca ends the losing streak at Anoeta and catch up to their rivals Real Madrid in the next clásico.
