Barça's Spanish Core Leads the Charge Against Sociedad
18 January 2026
Lineups and key notes
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick named his starting XI for the trip to Anoeta, with Raphinha out injured and Lewandowski and Rashford among the substitutes. Joao Cancelo was also on the bench. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres were picked to lead Barça's attack, with a flexible setup designed to press high and control the tempo, while Real Sociedad lined up in their usual shape to counter. The official lineup graphic confirmed the players and formation for this La Liga clash.
Context and kickoff details
Kickoff was set for 21:00 local time on 18 January 2026 at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastián. Barça sit atop La Liga with 49 points, while Sociedad are 13th with 21 points, setting the stage for a pivotal encounter in the title race.
Barcelona’s frontline featured Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, with Lewandowski and Cancelo starting on the bench as part of broader rotation. Sociedad’s lineup aimed to balance solidity at the back with pace on the flanks to test the league leaders.
Barcelona remains the league leader with 49 points, while Real Sociedad sit 13th with 21 points, adding tension to a night of top-flight football.
Punchline 1: If Barca win, the post-match vibe will resemble a tapas bar—short, sharp, and full of tiny, delicious confirmations of greatness. Punchline 2: If they draw, well, that’s a bookmark in the season’s diary for “nearly perfect” evenings—just add a few more goals next time.
