90min

Barcelona 2-1 Real Sociedad: Players Ratings as Barça Earn Crucial Win

By Joshua Wroath

Barcelona held on for a much needed win
Barcelona held on for a much needed win / David Ramos/Getty Images
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Barcelona returned to winning ways on Wednesday night at Camp Nou coming from behind against league leaders Real Sociedad in a 2-1 victory.

La Real took the lead, with Willian Jose tucking in from close range in the 27th minute, but an inspired Jordi Alba performance rallied Barça, with him scoring and turning provider for Frenkie de Jong to give Barça the lead before half-time.

In the second half both teams came close to bagging another goal on many occasions but in the end, the Catalans held out to earn an important win.

The victory for Barcelona sees Ronald Koeman's team climb up to fifth in the table, with La Real being knocked off the top via goal difference.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Jordi Alba scored his first goal of the season
Jordi Alba scored his first goal of the season / David Ramos/Getty Images

Marc-André ter Stegen (GK) - 7/10 - Another solid showing from the German. Still only has two home clean sheets this season, but couldn't have done much to stop Sociedad's opener.

Sergiño Dest (RB) - 6/10 - Continues to impress following his move from Ajax in the summer. Played the full 90 for only the fourth time in the league this season, and is slowly gaining the trust of Koeman.

Ronald Araujo (CB) - 7/10 - Only 21 years old but is starting to look like the real deal. The Uruguayan had the most blocked shots (2) on the night for the Blaugrana, after starting two games in a row for the first time in the league.

Jordi Alba (LB) - 9/10 - Scored and set up the winner, and was generally just fantastic all night. Shows no signs of slowing down.

2. Midfielders

Barely 18-years-old, Pedri looks like a star on the rise
Barely 18-years-old, Pedri looks like a star on the rise / LLUIS GENE/Getty Images

Frenkie de Jong (CM) - 7/10 - In his last two appearances in La Liga De Jong has bagged an assist and a goal. Looking more confident in recent weeks.

Sergio Busquets (CM) - 7/10 - Has the honour of most tackles (4) and most fouls (3) on the night. Business as usual from the veteran. Subbed off early due to picking up a yellow.

Pedri (CM) - 6/10 - Arguably at fault for La Real's opener but made amends with his last-ditch defending that saved Barcelona's skin late on. Came at a cost though with him soon being taken off after clattering the post. Still no assists from the 18-year-old all season. Needs to add more end product to his game.

3. Forwards

A shocked Griezmann wondering how he missed
A shocked Griezmann wondering how he missed / LLUIS GENE/Getty Images

Lionel Messi (RW) - 8/10 - Led his side in passing accuracy on the night with 90.8%, and created numerous chances for his teammates. Ran the show at times, playing better than he has for some time. Notched up his 300th win at Camp Nou.

Martin Braithwaite (ST) - 6/10 - Only his fourth La Liga start of the season, and still only on one goal to his name.

Antoine Griezmann (LW) - 6/10 - Had the most shots of anyone on the pitch (4), and scored zero goals. Closest he came was hitting the crossbar in the first-half and fluffed an open goal in the second.

4. Substitutes

Pjanic came off the bench in place of the injured Pedri
Pjanic came off the bench in place of the injured Pedri / LLUIS GENE/Getty Images

Francisco Trincão (RW) - 6/10 - Solid run out on the right for the Portuguese. Equalled Messi in dribbles (4) in only 24 minutes of play.

Carles Aleñá (CM) - 5/10 - Not the best of outings.

Miralem Pjanic (CM) - 5/10 - Only came on due to Pedri's injury. Still not doing enough to justify starting.

Clement Lenglet (CB) - 5/10 - N/A