Barcelona pay a hefty price after the hard-fought Real Sociedad win as multiple defenders suffer injuries

Barcelona, who recently lost to Eintracht Frankfurt(3-2) to depart from the Europa League and then went through an upset loss against Cádiz Club de Fútbol(1-0) in the La Liga outing, reclaimed their 2nd spot in the points table with this unconvincing win.

Barcelona's lone shot on goal came from Aubmeyang's close-range header after Ferran Torres looped a cross over Real Sociedad's goalkeeper.

However, their recent win offered more headaches than joy to coach Xavi Hernandez.

Having been extremely unlucky with injuries during his time at Barcelona, the Spaniard will now have to deal with ten players suffering from "physical discomfort" after the midweek match against Real Sociedad.

Xavi Hernandez's Barcelona suffered a heavy injury toll with all four starters of the back four - Gerard Pique, Ronald Araujo, Jordi Alba, and Dani Alves - suffering injuries.

Ronald Araujo, Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique, and Dani Alves leave with injuries

Ronald Araujo was the first one to go down with a knee injury and had to request a substitution in the 55th minute because of excessive pain. Eric Garcia replaced him.

Dani Alves left the pitch under medical assistance before being subbed 11 minutes later after being injured by a challenge from former Barcelona teammate Rafinha.

Gerard Pique was also suffering from a prior injury and took some in the game as well. The Center-back was seen limping throughout the came and had to be called off with only eight minutes remaining for full time.

At the same time, Jordi Alba had to be treated on the sidelines. Even though Alba managed to complete the game, he also appeared to be in pain. 

Sole goalscorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reacts to the hard-fought win

In Barcelona's win, the most significant contribution was from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who scored the only goal of the match after heading the ball straight into the nets. 

However, after the match, he also admitted that it was a tough match and of utmost importance for them too.

"It was a difficult game, but the victory is very good for us. We have won, and it was very important after two games in which we screw up," Aubameyang stated. "We have done things well, with a good attitude, and that is what is important."

Senior defender Jordi Alba agreed with Aubameyang's statement and stressed the importance of their performance that led to the win against a 'good opponent.'.

Alba later added, "The pressure they exerted was very suffocating. It was very difficult to get the ball out. When games get tough, you have to compete."

The Spaniard stated that he is yet to talk to his teammates who were seriously injured and hopes that the injuries are not severe as Barcelona only has one objective in mind: to win all of the remaining matches of the league.

Although Alba played out the remainder of the match, he too was witnessed suffering from discomfort after the full time.

Apart from the back four, Gerard Pique's substitute Clement Lenglet was given medical assistance too after falling on his head.

Reports suggest that apart from the five players mentioned above, others also suffered injuries, making it even more challenging for Barcelona's remaining campaign.