**FC Barcelona Lineup: Big Star Benched Vs. Sociedad**

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Post on Nov 11, 2024

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FC Barcelona Lineup: Big Star Benched vs. Sociedad

Xavi Hernandez's Barcelona faced Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou on October 22nd, 2023, in a crucial La Liga match. The Blaugrana were looking to bounce back from their disappointing loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League, and a win against Sociedad was essential to maintain their position at the top of the table.

However, one key player was surprisingly missing from the starting lineup: Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker, who had been in sensational form, was left on the bench. This raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, prompting questions about Xavi's tactical decisions.

Here's a breakdown of Barcelona's starting lineup:

Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen

Defenders: Koundé, Araújo, Christensen, Balde

Midfielders: Pedri, Gavi, De Jong

Attackers: Raphinha, Dembélé, Fati

The absence of Lewandowski was a significant talking point. His goalscoring prowess is undeniable, and his presence in the starting lineup is usually a guarantee of attacking threat.

So, why did Xavi choose to bench him?

The manager explained his decision, stating that he wanted to give Ansu Fati a chance to shine. The young forward has been struggling for consistency this season, but Xavi saw this match as an opportunity for Fati to regain his confidence and find his rhythm.

This tactical gamble paid off, as Fati delivered an impressive performance. He created numerous chances and even provided an assist for Pedri's goal. The rest of the team also played well, with Raphinha and Dembélé causing havoc in the Sociedad defense.

Barcelona ultimately won the match 1-0 thanks to Pedri's first-half goal. While the absence of Lewandowski was a surprise, Xavi's decision to give Fati a chance proved to be a successful one. The win solidified Barcelona's position at the top of the table and gave them valuable momentum heading into their next match.

In conclusion, although Lewandowski's absence was notable, Barcelona's victory against Real Sociedad highlighted the depth and versatility of their squad. The win also showcased the potential of Ansu Fati, who stepped up to the challenge and delivered a memorable performance. It remains to be seen whether Xavi will continue to rotate his starting lineup, but one thing is certain: Barcelona is a force to be reckoned with in La Liga this season.