Rating the Barcelona Players Against Real Sociedad

1 of 14

David Ramos/Getty Images

And on the 19th day of January it came to an end.

Barcelona's hopes of an unbeaten season evaporated in San Sebastian as Real Sociedad stole three points in second half stoppage time.

It had all began so familiarly for La Blaugrana, first Lionel Messi and then Pedro establishing a 2-0 lead at Anoeta.

Gonzalez 'Chori' Castro pulled one back before half-time, his goal giving La Real belief that they could get something from the game.

Their belief was enhanced when Gerard Pique saw red for a second yellow card, almost immediately Castro had them level—his deflected effort deceiving Victor Valdes.

But it was Imanol Agirretxe who had the last say, prodding home a Carlos Martinez cross to ensure Sociedad secured a memorable win.

Here's how the Barca players performed...

Victor Valdes

David Ramos/Getty Images

The blame for the three goals can't be placed at Victor Valdes' doorstep, but having got a hand to the equalizer he may feel he should have pushed it over.

Match Rating: 6

Dani Alves

David Ramos/Getty Images

Excellent touch and delivery for Pedro's goal but gave away too many cheap fouls over the course of the 90 minutes.

Match Rating: 6.5

Gerard Pique

David Ramos/Getty Images

Spent a long time arguing his red card, but there was little to argue. The first yellow was silly, but deserved for berating an official and the second was rightly produced for a cynical foul.

Match Rating: 4.5

Carles Puyol

David Ramos/Getty Images

It is good for Barca to have Carles Puyol back, but you get the feeling he is still searching for his best form. Against Real Sociedad he won just 50 percent of his aerial duels (via whoscored.com).

Match Rating: 6.3

Jordi Alba

David Ramos/Getty Images

Was as involved as ever and got forward well, but the left-back may feel disappointed that Real Sociedad's winner came from a cross on his side.

Match Rating: 6.5

Sergio Busquets

David Ramos/Getty Images

He may have completed 92 percent of his paces (via whoscored.com) but you got the feeling Sergio Busquets was far from his best. Picked up a yellow card and could have had one earlier.

Match Rating: 6.3

Xavi Hernandez

David Ramos/Getty Images

Had his sloppy moments but still managed to complete 95 percent of his 104 passes (via whoscored.com) and his ball to Dani Alves preceding Pedro's goal was delightful.

Match Rating: 6.8

Cesc Fabregas

David Ramos/Getty Images

Didn't do a great deal wrong before being substituted to make way for Javier Mascherano following Gerard Pique's red card. His great ball almost set up a marvelous volleyed goal from Lionel Messi.

Match Rating: 6

Andres Iniesta

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Barcelona may have lost but Iniesta's footwork and passing still proved pleasing. He set up Messi's opener and showed quick feet on numerous occasions in the second half.

Match Rating: 7.4