Good day, everyone, and welcome to my blog. What a match it was last night between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad on matchday 26 of Laliga Santander this season. Before the game, I made a preview post on how Barcelona must capitalize on the opportunity to go three points ahead of Real Madrid, who lost on Saturday night against Real Betis. I also mentioned in that last post that Hansi Flick will be rotating the players today to give some fresh legs for the upcoming match on Wednesday against Benfica in the Champions League round of sixteen.
The starting lineup saw Ronald Araujo, Marc Casado, and Gerard Martin make the starting lineup in the match against Real Sociedad. The ironic thing about these three players who started against Real Sociedad is that they all scored in the 4-0 victory over Real Sociedad and the shocking one out of the three was Gerard Martin because he has not been a favourite for most culers, but with that goal last night he might just start to become fan favourite and I saw a piece of news somewhere that Gerard Martin is already putting pressure on Balde as he could be the preferred starting LB for Hansi Flick soon.
Balde has been incredible this season, and I don't see why Gerard Martin can take his spot soon, but Balde has to improve as well, so talks like this don't come up regarding his position on the team. Yesterday, Frenkie De Jong didn't play, and there's no doubt that Hansi Flick rested the Dutchman because of the game on Wednesday, which I agree with the manager. Frenkie De Jong has stamped his spot back on the starting lineup as his recent matches have proved he is an incredible asset in that midfield area, and I look forward to him giving his best for the team against Benfica.
Pedri, as usual, was top-notch last night for Barcelona. It just keeps getting clear each matchday how valuable Pedri is to that Barcelona midfield even without him scoring goals, but a certain fanbase is still trying to push Bellingham over Pedri because the Englishman scores goals why the other doesn't score and fails to see behold that aspect. Pedri didn't get rest, and I am 100% sure he will be starting on Wednesday night in the Champions League. Pedri is just world-class, and each time I remember the fee Barcelona paid Las Palmas, I will say it was a steal because the player is worth more with the quality he possesses.
FC Barcelona is now in a good opportunity to keep pushing for the league title. There will still be a tough road ahead for Barcelona as they still have to face Atletico Madrid, who has been a problem for Hansi Flick's side this season, and they need to win against Simeone's side to have even ahead-to-ahead stats this season. Barcelona will still face Real Madrid at home along the line, but I don't think that will be a problem for the Catalan side as they have shown dominance over Madrid this season. It was a good game last night, and I hope the boys keep this form up in every competition throughout the season.
So, guys, that will be all for now. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day.
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