Preview: Barcelona have not won at the Estadio Anoeta since 2007
Tata Martino's squad responded well to critics and doubters on Tuesday, when they defeat Manchester City at the Etihad. They will now have to turn their attention to La Liga, where they will be trying to break a streak of winless matches.
Saturday's meeting between these two clubs will be the fourth time they have gone head-to-head this season. This La Liga match will also be the Catalan's second visit to Basque Country in 10 days.
Their last meeting on February 12th ended in a one goal draw, but the Blaugrana already had a 2-0 aggregate lead. Messi gave the visitors the lead in the first half, but a goal from Griezmann in the 87th minute gave Sociedad something to smile about.
Sociedad are sixth in La Liga with 40 points, and have only lost once at home. With only seven goals conceded at Anoeta, La Real also share the best defensive record on their home turf, along with Atletico Madrid, who ironically handed Sociedad their only defeat at home.
Jagoba Arrasate endured a tough start to the campaign, but after crashing out of the Champions League, Sociedad now only have the domestic campaign to concentrate on. They will need max concentration on Saturday if they are to see off first placed Barcelona.
Martino's squad will be full of confidence after Tuesday's victory, but they will have to be aware of a let down. The Barcelona manager will also only have one injury concern, who is Jordi Alba. A hamstring injury picked up against Manchester City will likely keep the fullback out.
Apart from Alba, Neymar could get his first start, after missing some time with an ankle injury. The Brazilian has been at the center of a lot of controversy regarding his transfer, but Martino has confidence in his forward.
"What's happening with Neymar is not normal," Martino told the media. "But in terms of the playing time he's getting and the way he's performing, there's nothing wrong."
The Brazilian will try to play a big role against Sociedad along with Messi. A victory would keep Barcelona at the top of the table, but with Real Madrid playing earlier in the day, the Catalans could start their match in second place.
Where to watch this match - live stream, start time, TV channels, start time
Watch Real Sociedad vs Barcelona live on Saturday, February 22, 2014:
In Canada at 14:00 ET on: beIN Sports Play Canada
In the UK at 19:00 GMT on: Sky Sports 3/HD
In the USA at 14:00 ET on: beIN Sports en Español, beIN Sports USA, beIN Sports Play, SiriusXM FC
For viewers outside of these viewing areas, be sure to visit the Real Sociedad vs Barcelona match page for full TV listings.
