Barcelona had a chance to regain second place in La Liga with a win over Real Sociedad last night, and that was precisely what Xavi’s men achieved in Montjuic.

The opening period was far from simple for the Catalans who had to wait until the half-hour mark to register their first shot on target. Soon after, however, they generated chances with ease and Lamine Yamal netted the team’s opener.

The second period, while it witnessed proactive play from both sides, just lacked goals as both sides resiliently held on.

In the dying minutes, however, Raphinha converted from the penalty spot to net a deserved goal and secure the result.

Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Barcelona 1-0 Real Sociedad.

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen: 8

A good showing for the recently Saudi-linked goalkeeper who made three solid saves and denied a cumulative xG of 0.63 to keep his side in the game at Montjuic.

Jules Kounde: 8

The Frenchman was the Blaugranas’ better full-back on the night as he dished out a comprehensive clinic in both offence and defence. Made one key pass, completed 100% of his dribbles and recorded eleven defensive actions against La Real.

Pau Cubarsi: 6.5

A rough first half for Barcelona’s prodigal defender who found a tricky customer in Sheraldo Becker. Was regularly beaten by the Suriname international in a footrace, leaving him through on goal.

Barring a few critical moments where he fell short, however, the youngster was relatively solid with some equally bright patches of play as well.

Inigo Martinez: 6.5

The relative lack of chemistry between Martinez and Cubarsi was part of the reason behind the youngster’s slightly off night, and the same can be said about the veteran’s display.

Did well to keep Real Sociedad’s general threat out but was caught out on some swift transitions.

Joao Cancelo: 5

The Portuguese full-back was far from his best, especially in the final third where he struggled to make any notable contribution. At this point, he is playing with fire by falling off at the wrong time in the campaign.

Ilkay Gundogan: 8.5

A normal high-class display from the German superstar that we have got used to witnessing at this point. First helped with a sizzling one-two with Yamal to open up La Real’s defence before himself getting a chance on goal on the rebound ten minutes later.

Eventually, Gundogan earned the assist for Yamal’s opener as he calmly played the ball wide for the youngster after Lewandowski’s pre-assist.

Andreas Christensen: 7

A decent, yet tired-looking performance from Christensen who was caught on the break multiple times in the first half. Won 100% of his aerial duels and contributed eight defensive actions nevertheless.

Pedri: 8

A solid display from the Canary Islander who was instrumental in the team’s attacking forays with good combination play with Gundogan. Should have earned an assist for the chance he set up for Raphinha but was unlucky.

Completed his performance with three key passes and a 96% pass accuracy in 70 minutes.

Lamine Yamal: 9

The academy star, once again, was Barcelona’s differential factor in the final third. Came very close to scoring in the 27th minute after some lovely combination play with Gundogan, but eventually got on the scoresheet with an ice-cool shot first-time past Alex Remiro.

Was inspired in the second half as well, completing the game with four successful dribbles and 11 duels won.

Robert Lewandowski: 9

The virtual creator in chief of Barcelona’s opening goal, Lewy sliced the Basque defence in half with a surgeon’s precision to find Gundogan in the buildup. Was also a genuine threat in front of goal and decent with his off-the-ball play.

Raphinha: 8

The Brazilian had a glorious chance to open the scoring for Barcelona in the 38th minute but hit the woodwork with his attempt. Was potent down the left flank, winning the duel against Aritz Elustondo and dominating the wing.

Dished out a sensational long-range strike in the 64th minute and was only denied by Remiro’s unreal save. Indirectly won a penalty for the Catalans in the dying minutes and converted with ease.

Sergi Roberto: 6

A healthy 20-minute cameo from the captain who did not do anything wrong with the ball at his feet. Clean with his distribution and handy with defensive contributions.

Fermin Lopez: 6

Did not create any direct threat to goal but was useful in the buildup.

Ferran Torres: 7

Came painfully close to scoring with his first touch on the night but was denied by Remiro unbelievably.

Oriol Romeu: NA