Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has congratulated Real Sociedad on their 3-1 win over his side.
The defeat sees Barca slip three points behind Real Madrid in the title race after Los Blancos dispatched Elche, with Atletico Madrid playing at Osasuna on Sunday.
Speaking to AS, Zubizarreta conceded Jagoba Arrasate’s side deserved the win.
“Congratulations to La Real because we have been behind them in the game,” the former goalkeeper said.
“We had opportunities to get the second goal and get into the game but they made it very difficult.
“Fairly or unfairly the defeat is there. La Real led the game throughout.”
It was put to Zubi that the Barca that lost at Anoeta was a poor imitation of the one that beat Manchester City, with the administrator asked how such a change was possible in just three days.
“Every game is a different story,” Zubizarreta replied.
“Each game reads differently. Many games are decided in the details and today they have been better and won.
“The game has to teach us a lot. We must draw our conclusions and learn.”
Tata Martino’s selection raised eyebrows as Sergio Busquets and Alex Song were played together in what the Coach later revealed was an attempt to mimic the double pivot system used by the Spain national team.
Zubizarreta was asked about that and Martino’s decision not to bring Xavi Hernandez off the bench, despite only using two of his three permitted substitutes.
“[Busquets and Song] have already been used together sometimes, just not this year.
“[As for Xavi] there are no headliners and no alternates. You have to play the season with everyone.”
