Barcelona Must Bounce Back At Real Sociedad After El Clasico Collapse

Barcelona must bounce back from their Clasico collapse in a tricky trip to face Real Sociedad on Saturday in La Liga. Despite dominating most of the game the Catalans were sucker-punched by Jude Bellingham's stunning double strie last weekend to fall four points behind league leaders Real Madrid. Barcelona are fourth. Real Sociedad, five points behind in fifth will be determined to cut the gap in San Sebastian. Real Madrid host Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, while second-place Girona visit Osasuna Saturday, with Atletico Madrid, third, at Las Palmas on Friday.

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez's message to his players after the painful Clasico defeat was that the season is far from over.

"The message is that this is long, it's the 11th game," said Xavi.

"We are frustrated, upset, but we have to continue."

The coach noted that last season, champions Barcelona fell to Madrid at home on their way to the title and said his team were still on the right path.

"Last year we lost too, in La Liga there is an eternity to go. We took a step forward in our play, that is what we wanted," added Xavi.

The painful loss could spark positive change at Barcelona.

Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan called on his team-mates to show more passion going forwards.

"After such a big game and a result that is so unnecessary, I wish for more frustration, more anger and more disappointment," the former Manchester City man told LaLiga TV.

"We need to make a huge step in that because otherwise Real Madrid or even Girona are going to run away (from us)."

The Catalans are also starting to welcome back their injured stars who missed the Clasico or only played minor roles.

Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha came off the bench against Madrid but did not influence the game.

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