It could have not been a better win for Real Sociedad than defeating top contender of the trophy Barcelona; perhaps, this game became more significant for them when they crushed Tito Vilanova’s army who tasted their first setback in the series. Real Sociedad showed their power play when they came back in fashion after trailing by two goals and won one of the most interesting matches of La Liga. Right from the start, Messi and his men dominated the game when both of Barca’s first line of strikers Lionel Messi and Pedro Rodriguez scored one goal each within first 25 minutes of the game. Nobody had then imagined that Barca will not be able to increases their tally thereafter. From then on; it was the run of Gonzalo Castro to cut the lead when he scored first goal for his club via his brilliant strike right before the first half.
Next half was a bit of unlucky for Barca, coz they lost their centre-back Gerard Pique to a red card, and thereafter they were a ten men army to sustain their lead they gained by then, but it could not prove to be a reality as Real Sociedad served them their first league defeat. Post-match, Barca coach Tito Vilanova congratulated Donostia club for their superior gameplay throughout the game, however he also blamed Barca’s mistakes’ contribution towards first loss of his team. He said, “We congratulate them. It is more credit to them than due to a fault of ours. I have no reproaches for my players.
“In the first half we had control of the game and hit the post twice. Bravo has been playing very well – the team had conceded only six goals at home. at 0-2 I never thought it would be an easy match. I know Real Sociedad are a much more intense team than a year ago.”
Barca star Messi also said that his team’s loss was not entirely unexpected as there has to be a defeat at some point of time. However, he did not use his statement as an excuse for their loss, he was just mentioning that every team loses no matter how big or small it is. He said, “Losing a game had to come at some point. We have to pick ourselves up immediately because of the cup match coming up.”
Pedro, the other goal scorer, also added, “Pique’s red card conditioned the match, because it was a that wasn’t dangerous. On Thursday, we simply cannot fail.”