The Blaugrana could have overhauled Real Madrid at the summit of the Primera Division with a win at Anoeta but they succumbed to a “killer” own goal from Jordi Alba
Xavi was left frustrated by Barcelona’s failure to move top of La Liga on Sunday night, with the midfielder left to lament the fact that the “ball didn’t want to go in” during the Catalans’ 1-0 loss at Real Sociedad.
The Blaugrana started with both Lionel Messi and Neymar on the bench at Anoeta and found themselves a goal down after just two minutes of play, with Jordi Alba putting through his own net.
Barca dominated possession thereafter but, even with their star South American duo on the park for the majority of the second half, they were unable to take advantage of Real Madrid’s surprise 2-1 loss at Valencia earlier in the day.
“It’s a missed opportunity,” Xavi is quoted as saying by his club’s official website. “The ball just didn’t want to go in.
“We had all the chances and missed some very big ones. We started off on the wrong foot; the own goal was a killer.
“Real Sociedad played a good game, especially defensively. But we did play well despite the loss.”
Xavi’s sentiments were echoed by fellow midfielder Andres Iniesta, who also felt that Barca could have easily got something out of the game.
“We had a shot to get closer to Real Madrid and it’s a shame because the own goal was early and we had time to turn things around,” he added. “We controlled the match for the most part.
“The only thing we didn’t do was score. The team played well, good rhythm, we passed well, we just couldn’t finish.”
Barca will be desperate to bounce back when they host Elche in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie on Thursday.
