Lionel Messi has demanded an immediate response from Barcelona following their first defeat of the La Liga season with a 3-2 loss at Real Sociedad.
------------------------------------------------------------
Predict the result and win big with Soccer6
------------------------------------------------------------
The Barca goal-machine opened the scoring early on at Anoeta before Pedro doubled their lead on 25 minutes as the visitors appeared to be cruising to victory.
However, a brace from Gonzalo Castro either side of the break coupled with the 56th-minute dismissal of Gerard Pique swung the contest in the favour of the hosts.
The comeback win was sealed in stoppage-time when Imanol Agirretxe turned home a cross from Carlos Martinez to inflict Barca's first defeat in 20 league games this term.
Messi, though, refused to dwell on the slip-up, insisting it "had to come" after the Blaugrana's flying start to the campaign, and the forward has urged his team-mates to do the same with an important Copa del Rey tie coming up away to Malaga.
He said: "We have to pick ourselves up because we have a Cup match. Losing a game had to come at some point."
Barca coach Tito Vilanova acknowledged another impressive defensive display from Sociedad, while refusing to find fault with the performance of his players on the night.
"We have to congratulate them [Sociedad]. Their victory was achieved more because of their effort than because of our mistakes," said Vilanova.
"I cannot reproach my players. In the first half we controlled the game and we hit the woodwork twice and another chance was saved by Bravo. We played against a team that had only allowed six goals at home."
Post A Comment!
Be the first to post a comment on this story