In a crucial encounter at the Anoeta Stadium, Barcelona suffered a 1–2 defeat to Real Sociedad. It marked their first loss in two months and brought an end to an 11-match winning streak across all competitions, including the Spanish Super Cup.
Despite the disappointing result, the match had its positives. Substitute Marcus Rashford delivered an impressive performance in just 30 minutes on the pitch, offering Barcelona a glimpse of hope and renewed optimism.
Perseverance During a Difficult Spell
Since scoring twice against Newcastle earlier in the season, Rashford’s form has dipped noticeably. Over the past two months, the England international managed only one goal against Guadalajara and provided a single assist in the Champions League.
Even so, head coach Flick has continued to show faith in his abilities. The reality, however, has been challenging: Rashford has started only 4 of the last 13 matches, spending most of his time on the bench waiting for opportunities to prove himself.
Tactical Dilemma with Raphinha
The partnership between Rashford and Raphinha has long been a tactical challenge. When Rashford starts, the No. 11, Raphinha, is often pushed into a central attacking midfield role, a shift that has clearly reduced his influence on the game.
In the derby against Espanyol, Rashford was substituted at halftime specifically to allow Raphinha to return to his preferred position.
In this match, Flick initially opted for Dani Olmo to replace the injured Raphinha. Rashford was only introduced in the 63rd minute.
A Substitute Who Changed the Game
Over the next half hour, Rashford almost single-handedly altered the rhythm of the match. With sharp movement and a well-timed header, he quickly pulled Barcelona level, scoring his eighth goal in a Barcelona shirt.
Late in the game, his corner kick struck the crossbar, and as the ball bounced away, a collective gasp echoed around the stadium. For a brief moment, an equaliser seemed within reach.
Positives Behind the Defeat
Although Barcelona ultimately failed to avoid defeat and saw the gap to Real Madrid reduced to just one point, Rashford’s performance injected confidence into the team. So far this season, he has recorded eight goals and nine assists, underlining his efficiency and consistent contribution.
With the Champions League knockout stages approaching, the Manchester United academy graduate could be in line to return to the starting XI for the crucial clash against Slavia Prague.
