Barcelona claimed victory over the modest La Liga side Real Sociedad as the La Liga season began with much expectation.
Both sides competed to a great effect though the home side proved their class in securing the win.
The home side would be grateful to Gerard Piqué and Sergi Roberto who scored the first and last goal as it was crucial to helping Barcelona to the three points.
Following Barcelona's win over Real Sociedad, we evaluate the three significant points from the encounter.
Bright Start For Barcelona
The home side defeated their visitors 4-2 at home as the season kicked off in a frenetic Nou Camp atmosphere.
Goals from Gerard Piqué and Martin Braithwaite (who scored a brace) set Barcelona 3-0 to the good despite the visitors spirited fairytale in the second half.
They managed to start the League on a positive note even as arch-rivals Real Madrid defeated Alaves 1-4 on the road at the weekend courtesy of a brace from Real's skipper Karim Benzema.
This would offer hope to the Catalan giant who began life without Lionel Messi with the maximum three-point at stake at home.
Visitors Deserved some Credit
The talent of Adnan Januzaj, David Silva and Christian Portu was evident as they made the Barcelona side sweat before they could secure the win.
Though Real Sociedad were 3-0 down following a good display from Martin Braithwaite they still rallied with great showing to score twice at the closing stages.
A free-kick from Julen Lobete and a striker’s goal in less than five minutes put Barcelona on their toes as Koeman's side were given a glimpse of how the La Liga season could turn out to be in earnest.
Real Sociedad spirited effort forced Barcelona to improvise with the fourth goal as the visitors produced a scary moment which all La Liga (campaigners) sides should take note of this season.
Catalan Side Needs Improvement
Though Barcelona got the job done against Real Sociedad thanks to the 4-2 win on Sunday.
But Ronald Koeman and his side now know that there’s more work to do ahead in the season.
More questions would be asked by other sides as regards Barcelona's tactical enumerations and how they can keep their team shape during vital moments in a game.
Barcelona nearly collapsed against Real Sociedad. That gave a clue of what could happen to the Catalan giants if they were playing against the likes of Villarreal and Real Madrid in La Liga.
They’ve got to sit up especially defensively while their focus should be maximum during games. It would have been bad for Barcelona, but thanks to Sergi Roberto, they smiled home with a win.
That performance should not be taken for granted as Barcelona’s vulnerability has been revealed once again.
How do a team like Ronald Koeman’s side let in those goals especially with their huge aspiration(demand) in this season?
It has even be made tough following Messi’s departure from Nou Camp though Braithwaite's performance for Barcelona proved otherwise.
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But a general team improvement is inevitable for the Catalan side if they are to make the most of the 2021/2022 season.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago
