Lluis Mascaro: Barcelona's draw that tasted like a defeat

Barcelona played (played?) the worst first half of the season. And possibly of recent years. They were totally battered by Real Sociedad who played with an asphyxiating high press. And Barcelona were without ideas in the middle of the pitch to overcome Eusebio’s team’s play. Barcelona suffered, a lot, and if they didn’t let in a goal it was because of a lack of accuracy from the hosts. Not even the MSN could fix it, without a shot on target in the first 45 minutes. 

Luis Enrique made a tactical change at the break, with Ivan Rakitic sitting out and Denis Suarez coming in. The objective was to get back control of the ball and be Barça again. It did not work. The absence of Iniesta was too problematic. Without him, Barça are much less Barça. And it gets complicated when the rival plays like Real Sociedad did. Willian Jose struck and it seemed like a knock-out blow…

Barcelona needed to win in Anoeta so as not to throw half the title away. Any other result was to give Real Madrid the chance to extend their lead before next week’s Clasico. The game could be a death sentence for the title. That’s why even a draw was not enough. When Messi’s goal came it had a hint of hope. But just that. Because Barcelona kept playing nothing.

And without playing well Barcelona don’t know how to win. And they didn’t win. They drew. But it was a draw that tasted like a defeat. Because Real Madrid will arrive at Camp Nou with a +6 that hurts a lot and is tremendously dangerous. As much as the poor football Luis Enrique’s team is playing. Because playing like this, you don’t win in Anoeta. And you don’t beat Real Madrid. And you don’t win La Liga.