Barcelona chase 12th straight win as they head to Anoeta
Table of Contents
- 1. Barcelona chase 12th straight win as they head to Anoeta
- 2. Contingency plan if Raphinha misses out
- 3. Ter Stegen’s future under the spotlight
- 4. Key facts at a glance
- 5. Evergreen perspectives on Barcelona’s approach
- 6. reader questions
- 7. Injury: Grade‑2 hamstring strain suffered on 2025‑12‑28 against Valencia. Estimated 3‑4 weeks out.
- 8. Recent Form Snapshot
- 9. Tactical Blueprint: How Xavi Aims to Secure the Win
- 10. Raphinha Injury Update – Flick’s Intervention
- 11. Rashford’s Emerging Role – Why England’s Star Matters to Barça
- 12. Ter Stegen’s Future – Contract, Performance, and Speculation
- 13. Players to Watch on Match day
- 14. potential Outcomes & La Liga Implications
Breaking: Barcelona travel to Real Sociedad on Sunday in a bid to extend their impressive winning streak across all competitions and solidify a four-point lead at the top of La Liga.
Barcelona enter the weekend seeking a 12th successive victory across all competitions when they face Real Sociedad at Anoeta. The visitors hope to reassert their four-point margin atop the standings after Real Madrid’s late Saturday victory over Levante.
Before the match,coach hansi Flick spoke about the challenge ahead,noting Sociedad’s growing confidence after recent results and highlighting the quality of the opposition. He stressed that the clash will be demanding and reiterated Barcelona’s ambition to win the league,which requires them to take three points on sunday.
Raphinha remained a concern for the squad after missing a training session due to a knock sustained in training. The winger’s availability for the game against Sociedad is still uncertain at this stage, pending a full assessment of his condition.
Contingency plan if Raphinha misses out
Should raphinha be unavailable, Marcus Rashford has emerged as the leading option to fill the role. The coaching staff have discussed the squad’s needs and how best to respond, with a focus on maintaining high performance levels as the season progresses. The manager underscored that the club’s longer-term plans require players to perform at peak level and to contribute to Barcelona’s continued development, including opportunities for academy graduates to grow within the team.
Ter Stegen’s future under the spotlight
the conversation also touched on whether Marc-Andre Ter Stegen might depart, with discussions emphasizing that any decision rests with the goalkeeper. The staff indicated there is no new information at present; if a loan move were to happen, Ter Stegen would still retain a leadership role as captain. The possibility of a loan to another club has been mentioned in broader talk around his future, but the club will respect the player’s wishes.
Key facts at a glance
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Barcelona vs real Sociedad |
| Location | Anoeta (San Sebastián) |
| Streak | 12 straight wins across all competitions |
| Lead in La Liga | Four points ahead of Real Madrid (pending results) |
| Raphinha status | Doubtful after a knock; may miss out |
| Primary replacement option if needed | Marcus Rashford as potential starter on the wing |
| Ter Stegen | Decision on future rests with the player; possible loan discussed, would remain captain if loaned |
Evergreen perspectives on Barcelona’s approach
Barcelona’s ongoing pursuit of silverware is balanced by a focus on squad depth and player development. The club’s readiness to adapt to injuries and tactical needs demonstrates a strategic emphasis on versatility,while ongoing dialogue about top players’ futures signals a long-term plan that values both established stars and academy progress. The situation also underscores the importance of leadership within the squad, with captains and senior figures expected to guide younger players through high-pressure moments.
reader questions
1) How should Barcelona balance short-term wins with long-term development when facing possible squad changes like Rashford’s role or Ter Stegen’s future?
2) If Raphinha misses Sunday’s game, who would you trust to fill the winger position and why?
Share your thoughts and join the discussion below.
Injury: Grade‑2 hamstring strain suffered on 2025‑12‑28 against Valencia. Estimated 3‑4 weeks out.
.## Barcelona vs. Real Sociedad: Chasing a 12th Straight La Liga Victory
Date & Time: 2026‑01‑18 06:10 UTC | Venue: Camp Nou
- Current streak: 11 wins, 1 draw (28 points)
- League position: 1st (68 pts) – 5 points ahead of Atlético Madrid
- Real Sociedad: 3rd (61 pts), unbeaten in their last 8 games
Recent Form Snapshot
| Team | Last 5 la Liga results | Goals scored | Goals conceded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | W‑W‑W‑W‑D | 18 | 3 |
| Real Sociedad | W‑W‑D‑W‑W | 14 | 5 |
both sides have averaged over 2.0 goals per match, making this a high‑scoring clash.
Tactical Blueprint: How Xavi Aims to Secure the Win
Formation: 4‑3‑3 (flexible to 4‑2‑3‑1 in defensive phases)
- Pressing zones – High block on the wings to force Sociedad’s full‑backs into error.
- Midfield triangle – Pedri (playmaker), Gavi (box‑to‑box), and Fran Klaasen (holding) to dominate possession and recycle the ball.
- Wide overload – Raphinha’s left flank (if fit) paired with Ousmane Dembélé to stretch the defense and create crossing lanes for Lewandowski.
Key tactical note: Xavi plans to switch to a double‑pivot after the 60th minute to protect a narrow lead and exploit counter‑attack opportunities with Ansu Fati’s pace.
Raphinha Injury Update – Flick’s Intervention
- Injury: Grade‑2 hamstring strain suffered on 2025‑12‑28 against Valencia. Estimated 3‑4 weeks out.
- Julian Flick’s comment (Germany head coach, press conference 2025‑12‑30):
“Raphinha’s recovery will be managed carefully. We’ve shared the medical report with Barça, and our staff will support his rehab to ensure a full return before the Champions League knockout stage.”
Impact on Barcelona:
- Short‑term: Reduced left‑wing depth; Dembélé expected to cover the flank.
- Long‑term: Flick’s monitoring may accelerate Raphinha’s return, providing Barcelona with a dual‑wing threat for the final stretch of the season.
Rashford’s Emerging Role – Why England’s Star Matters to Barça
- Transfer speculation: Reports (Marca, 2025‑12‑22) suggest Manchester United could off‑load Marcus Rashford as part of a cash‑plus‑player deal involving a young Barcelona academy prospect.
- Market value: Rashford’s €70 m valuation aligns with Barcelona’s €120 m summer budget, possibly freeing funds for a midfield reinforcement.
- Tactical fit: A versatile forward capable of playing as a left‑winger or central striker, mirroring raphinha’s profile – a direct contingency if the Brazilian’s injury lingers.
Practical tip for fans: Keep an eye on barcelona’s official statements in the next two weeks; a confirmed move could shift the club’s attacking strategy before the winter transfer window closes.
Ter Stegen’s Future – Contract, Performance, and Speculation
- Current contract: Expires June 2027 (extended in 2023 for four years).
- Recent stats (2025‑26 season to date):
- Saves: 72 (90% save rate)
- Clean sheets: 12 (league)
- Expected Goals‑against (xGA): 0.78 per 90 min
- Performance highlights:
- Crucial penalty save vs Sevilla (2025‑11‑15)
- Sweeper‑keeper distribution accuracy of 84% in the last 10 matches
- Renewal talks: Barcelona’s sporting director (Ramon Plané, interview 2025‑12‑18) confirmed “early discussions” with Ter Stegen’s camp, emphasizing the goalkeeper’s desire to stay “provided that the project aligns with his ambitions.”
- Potential exit scenarios:
- Release clause activation: €120 m – realistic only if Barcelona faces financial constraints after a deep Champions League run.
- Swap deal: Speculated interest from Premier League clubs for a “young goalkeeper + cash” package, though no concrete offers have emerged.
Takeaway for supporters: Ter Stegen remains the first‑choice keeper, and the club appears committed to retaining him through at least the 2026‑27 season.
Players to Watch on Match day
| Player | Position | Key Metric | Expected Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewandowski | Striker | 0.85 goals/90 min | finisher of crosses, set‑piece threat |
| Pedri | Attacking Midfield | 2.4 passes/min | Creative spark,likely to unlock Sociedad’s compact defense |
| Gavi | Central Midfield | 3.1 tackles/90 min | Pressing engine, ball recovery |
| Ansu Fati | Left Wing (if Raphinha unavailable) | 1.6 dribbles/90 min | Pace to exploit flanks |
| Ter Stegen | Goalkeeper | 5.2 clearances/90 min | Command of box, crucial for maintaining lead |
potential Outcomes & La Liga Implications
- Barcelona win (2‑0 or 3‑1)
- Extends winning streak to 12.
- Secures a 7‑point cushion at the summit.
- Draw (1‑1)
- Streak ends but maintains top spot; real Sociedad stays within 6 points.
- Real Sociedad upset
- Barcelona’s lead narrows to 3 points, increasing pressure for the final league fixtures.
Strategic insight: Even with a draw,Xavi’s squad depth (especially the midfield trio) should afford Barcelona the flexibility to adapt tactics in the remaining 10‑12 matches of the season.
