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Jordi Alba and Frenkie de Jong scored in the first half and the Blaugrana got a much-needed victory on Wednesday
Ronald Koeman believes that Barcelona’s “attitude and intensity” in the 2-1 La Liga win against Real Sociedad showed that they can bounce back from their early season struggles.
Barça manager Koeman praised his team’s performance as goals from Jordi Alba and Frenkie de Jong secured the 23rd consecutive league win at home against Sociedad.
Koeman’s Barça controlled from the kickoff, but failed to register a shot on goal in the first 25 minutes, as the hosts fell behind Willian José’s shot in the 27th minute at Camp Nou.
But two goals in the space of 12 minutes before the break turned the game in Barca’s favor and Koeman insisted that his players displayed the characteristics necessary to improve their irregular form.
“With this attitude and this intensity we will be where we should be,” Koeman said after the game.
“[It was] surely the best first half [of the season]. We were good with the ball and we pressed well.
“The second half, Real played a great game. It was a high-level clash with great intensity.”
Barcelona played a more reactive game after the break against second-placed La Liga, recording just 38.6 percent possession while protecting their lead.
Alexander Isak threatened a late draw, but Marc-Andre ter Stegen blocked the Swedish winger’s effort, the Barça goalkeeper’s only save in the second half.
“You can’t control a game for 90 minutes,” Koeman said. “The wear and tear on the team has been impressive. We deserved to win for attitude.”
Barça Alba’s left-back was also happy with his team’s performance, saying they put in their best performance of 2020 in victory.
“It was the best game of the year,” he told Movistar. “I am very satisfied with the attitude and the fight of the team. The motivation was great and we continue to climb [the table].
The victory took Barça to fifth place in the table with six victories in their 12 games, six points behind Atlético de Madrid, Sociedad and Real Madrid.
Next up for Barça is a home game against Valencia on Saturday, with Los Che entering the game at 12th place in the table.
