Barcelona have made a few uncharacteristic stutters throughout the season so far, and will be looking to avoid another when they travel to play Real Sociedad in Thursday's Copa del Rey quarterfinal first leg clash at Anoeta. Luis Enrique's side will hope to build upon its comfortable 5-0 win over Las Palmas in the league on the weekend, and in so doing put itself into a fine position ahead of next week's return fixture.
Barcelona vs. Real Sociedad 2017 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the Copa del Rey online
Real Sociedad will fancy their chances of upsetting Barcelona in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.
Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
La Real could, however, prove to be more stubborn opponents than expected. After a few shaky seasons, the Basque outfit are looking back to their very best this season, and are currently flying high in fifth place in La Liga. Only Real Madrid and Sevilla have beaten Eusebio Sacristán's side in its own backyard this season, and they'll be optimistic of making life difficult for Barça.
How to watch, stream, and listen
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada - English); beIN Sports en Español (U.S. and Canada - Spanish)
Online streaming: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. and Canada)
Make friends: Barcelona fans should head on over to Barça Blaugranes for full match coverage.
For online listings in other countries, you can check out LiveSoccerTV.
Three big things to know
1. Barcelona will be without goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who is being rested. Jasper Cillessen should replace him between the sticks. Midfielder Rafinha will also not make the trip, as he picked up a hamstring injury in training and isn’t fit for selection.
2. Real Sociedad's injury list is rather longer than Barça's: Mikel González and Carlos Martínez are certainly sidelined, while Joseba Zaldúa, Carlos Vela, and Imanol Agirretxe are all doubtful.
3. Real Sociedad have been something of a bogey team for Barça recently. They drew 1-1 when these sides met in the league back in November, and La Real won their prior meeting 1-0 back in April. Indeed, Barça haven’t won away at Anoeta in their last eight attempts. Their last win against Real Sociedad on the road came back in 2007.
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