Barcelona open the post-Messi era with a win

Barcelona get the season started on the right foot with win over Real Sociedad

Barcelona opened the first game of the post-Messi era with a 4-2 win at home over Real Sociedad.

Everyone was interested to see how the Catalans would cope with no longer having the Argentinian talisman by their side. If this game is anything to go by, they certainly answered a couple of questions.

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Perhaps it was no accident Gerard Pique, the only club captain so far who has lowered his wages, scored the first goal post-Messi. The center-back was at the receiving end of a Memphis Depay free-kick, which the 34-year-old easily headed past the keeper.

“For me the goal means a lot. I was born here, I was raised here, I have lived almost all my life in Barcelona,” Pique said. “It got complicated for us at the end, but in general I think it was a great game, which we controlled during the first 80 minutes. To start winning is very positive, and the fans are very plugged in. It’s very positive.”

Barcelona were all over La Real in the opening half-hour. But the visitors managed to even things up until Martin Braithwaite opened his account right before halftime. Frenkie de Jong sent in a cross from the right. The Danish forward was perfectly positioned at the back post to head another ball past the keeper. Two headers, two goals. Not vintage Barcelona but still effective.

Real Sociedad came out the better side in the second-half. However, Braithwaite got his brace as he thundered the ball to the back of the net to cap off a more vintage Barça play. Memphis laid the ball of to Jordi Alba who cut the ball back inside. After it took a deflection, it landed to Braithwaite who took full advantage. Up 3-0, it should have spelled the end of the game.

Real Sociedad had other plans as they scored twice in a matter of minutes to pull within a goal. But Sergi Roberto finished the game off once and for all after tapping in a pass from Braithwaite who added an assist to go with his two goals.

“Braithwaite is a professional, an example,” said manager Ronald Koeman. He always works for the team and helps us in a lot of aspects. I’m thrilled to have players like him.”

With or without Messi, the worrying parts of the team reared their ugly heads. They are still unable to hold a lead late in the game. It’s been a trademark of Koeman’s tenure and something that needs to be fixed. Leaking goals late and in crucial times is what cost them last season.

The important thing, however, is they picked up the win with Memphis playing well in his first official. match with Barcelona. He was lively and looked up for it. The same can be said of Eric Garcia who did not look out of place or overwhelmed by the occasion.

“Everyone played a good game,” Koeman said. “Eric has been great, Memphis was talented and provided some nice touches in addition to the assist.”

There are plenty of positives to take out of the match but a lot of work remains to be done. They face their first test away from home next week when they travel to the San Mamés to take on Athletic Bilbao.