Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona: The Battle for European Qualification Rages On

April 21, 2022
Benson Chikezie

La Liga 2021/2022
Matchday 33
Reale Arena, San Sebastian.

Real Sociedad Real Sociedad
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Barcelona Barcelona

Real Sociedad will welcome Barcelona on Matchday 33 in the Spanish La Liga as they hope to make a late charge on the final Champions League qualification spot. The match is scheduled for 01:00 IST on the 22nd of April and promises to be a well-contested encounter, crucial for both teams’ chances at European qualification and an outside shot at the title for Barcelona.

Sociedad have recovered well from losing 4–1 to Real Madrid. They are only three points behind fourth-placed Atlético Madrid and can still dream of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League if they keep up their current form. Barcelona have risen from a disappointing start to the season to second in the league, level on points with Sevilla, and aiming for a semi-final spot in the Europa League.

Teams Status

Here is the latest form and team news from both teams ahead of the match at Reale Arena, San Sebastian:

Real Sociedad Form and Team News

Real Sociedad have struggled to convert goals this season, with only 32 goals in 31 matches, averaging 1 per match, but find themselves in sixth place, having managed 54 points all season. They have 15 wins, 9 draws, and 7 losses so far, making up for their lack of goals by maintaining an ability to win by one-goal margins.

Sociedad have only lost once since they crashed out of the Europa League at the hands of RB Leipzig, courtesy of Real Madrid. They have won five games and drawn one in that run and are in great form going into this game. Mikel Oyarzabal has been in outstanding form for Sociedad this season, scoring nine goals and creating another three.

Ander Barrenetxea and talisman Mikel Oyarzabal may miss Barcelona’s visit as they are presently on the sidelines due to injuries.

Barcelona Form and Team News

Barca have been a revelation under Xavi and in 2022, rising quickly up the table to second place. They have lost only once across all competitions since a Copa Del Rey exit at the hands of Athletic Bilbao, winning 11 and drawing 4 of their 15 games since.

They are 12 points behind Real Madrid, who have all but won the league, but they also have a game in hand. With seven straight wins in La Liga, Barcelona are arguably the strongest side in La Liga presently, with players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring 8 times since making the switch in January.

Usual culprits Gerard Pique, Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto, and Samuel Umtiti are still injured and may miss the match against Real Sociedad.

What Do the Sportsbooks Say?

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Barcelona play away from home, but due to their positive displays in La Liga since the turn of the year, and their sheer dominance in this fixture since 2016, they are favorites to take all three points from this fixture.

On the Parimatch sportsbook, the odds for a home win, a draw, and an away win are placed at 3.25, 3.50, and 2.17, respectively. The odds for all three outcomes on the Sportsbet.io sportsbook are 3.35, 3.50, and 2.14, respectively. On the Melbet sportsbook, the odds are 3.48, 3.8, and 2.15 for all three outcomes in the same order.


Tipster’s Angle

From the head-to-head record between Real Sociedad and Barcelona, the Blaugrana have dominated this fixture for the past 15 meetings. Real Sociedad beat Barcelona in 2016, a one-nil victory. Since then, they have suffered 12 defeats, and 2 draws at the hands of the men from Camp Nou.

Barcelona are still unbeaten in La Liga since suffering a shock defeat at the hands of Real Betis in December. They will be a difficult opponent for the home side, especially now that they are still nursing their Europa League exit. Here are the possible outcomes to expect in this fixture:

Tip: Barcelona to Win or Draw @ 1.355

Barcelona are yet to lose in La Liga since December and will do everything to preserve that record and seal their place in next season’s Champions League. Xavi’s men will be desperate to end the season as high as possible on the table, and getting a share of the points from this match is a likely outcome. Barcelona to win or draw is available on the Paripesa sportsbook at 1.355 odds.

Tip: Over 1.5 Goals @ 1.22

In the past 10 games between these two sides, a multi-goal result has occurred 8 times out of 10. A place in Europe is on the line for both teams, and we expect a flurry of chances at both ends of the pitch. The outcome for over 1.5 goals is available at 1.22 odds on the Sportsbet.io sportsbook.

Conclusion

European qualification is the major positive takeaway that Barcelona and Real Sociedad can get from this season. The race to Europe is very much alive, and all the players in the mix cannot afford to drop points now. We expect a thrilling contest on the night.

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