LaLiga 2024/2025 - Matchday 26
Real Sociedad forced to rotate against FC Barcelona in LaLiga
The San Sebastian team is looking to balance its squad while facing two major challenges in the league and Europa League
The decisive part of the season has begun and it is time to make difficult decisions. From the start of March, there are only 3 months left of the season. During this period, the key positions in the leagues are contested, as well as the final rounds of the knockout competitions. On Wednesday, Real Sociedad played the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid (0-1). Imanol Alguacil brought out his full arsenal, although the first match was won by the Whites. Now, it is time to think about playing against Barça in the domestic competition, although with his sights set on the Europa League.
In the context in which the 'txuri-urdin' team finds itself, with so many highly demanding matches, its coach will have to rotate his regular players. After the great effort made against Ancelotti's pupils, everything points to there being rotations against FC Barcelona, this Sunday, in LaLiga. The team's situation is not idyllic, as a defeat against the Blaugrana would take them out of the European spots. However, next week they will have to play against a depleted Manchester United in the first of the two matches that make up the round of 16 of the Europa League.
Changes against Real Madrid to distribute minutes
Alguacil wanted to bring forward the changes to avoid overloading some of his players. In the tie against the white team, with a 0-1 unfavorable score on the scoreboard, Sucic and Barrenetxea were substituted in the 64th minute. Later, Aguerd and Oyarzabal had their turn in the 77th. The carousel was closed by Aihen Muñoz. Of the five players who left the Reale Arena pitch, all are used to playing regularly.
On Sunday, Real Sociedad will visit the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys to face FC Barcelona at 4:15 p.m. Hansi Flick is also likely to make changes, as the Catalans also put in a great effort in the Copa del Rey, against Atlético Madrid (4-4), and will play the Champions League against Benfica, away, on Wednesday. So, many unusual faces are expected on the pitch.
