Barcelona welcomed Real Sociedad to the Camp Nou on Tuesday looking to continue their 100% start to the season.
The home side were 2-0 ahead inside eight minutes with goals from Neymar and Lionel Messi, before Sergio Busquets made it three after 23 minutes.
Barcelona continued to dominate in the second period, but Sociedad cut the deficit to 3-1 after 64 minutes when Alberto de la Bella scored from close range.
However, the scoring was not finished with Marc Bartra making it 4-1 to the home side in the latter stages.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week six in La Liga begins at the Camp Nou as the Spanish champions welcome a stuttering Sociedad outfit. It has been the perfect start for Barcelona with five wins from five matches, but the away side have taken just six points from their first five games, a total that has left them in seventh position in the table.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it makes good reading for Sociedad. They have won two of the last five, with Barcelona also winning twice and the other ending in a draw. Sociedad lost 5-1 in this stadium last season, but they have picked up recent wins over the Catalan outfit – in January of this year and in April 2011.
TEAMS:
BARCELONA: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Adriano; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Sanchez, Messi, Neymar
REAL SOCIEDAD: Bravo; Estrada, Cadamuro, Martinez, De la Bella; Bergara, Ros, Prieto, Sangalli; Seferovic, Griezmann
So there we have it. Pedro, Alex Song and Martin Montoya all drop out of the Barcelona XI this evening, with Dani Alves, Andres Iniesta and Alexis Sanchez returning, but Cesc Fabregas is not in the squad. Neymar continues in attack alongside Lionel Messi. Sociedad, meanwhile, leave Carlos Vela and Chory Castro on the bench, but Antoine Griezmann does start for the away side.
As mentioned, Barcelona enter the match off the back of a 4-0 win over Rayo Vallecano at the weekend. Atletico Madrid have also won all five games this season, but the Catalan outfit sit top of the division with a goal difference of 14. To put that into context, Real Madrid’s is currently seven. And that is without Barcelona really hitting top form thus far.
The Catalan outfit have scored eight times in their last two matches, conceding zero in the process. They also picked up the Spanish Super Cup in the early part of the season after overcoming Atletico Madrid on away goals. They will surely drop points over the next couple of weeks, but not too many are expecting that to happen this evening against an out-of-form Sociedad side.
Sociedad, meanwhile, enter the match off the back of a goalless draw with Malaga at the weekend. As mentioned, they have now gone three matches in all competitions without find the back of the net. They impressed last season as they secured fourth spot – and indeed Champions League football – but they are feeling their way into the new campaign.
Sociedad opened their season with a 2-0 win over Getafe, but they could only take a point in a 1-1 draw with Elche on August 24. They then lost to Atletico Madrid on their home patch, a result which has been followed by back-to-back goalless draws against Levante and Malaga. They aren’t conceding many, but goals are certainly a problem.
It will come as no surprise that Barcelona had the best home record in La Liga last season, winning an incredible 18 of their 19 matches, remaining unbeaten in the process. They scored 63 times and conceded just 15. That said, Sociedad had the fourth-best away record in the league last season, losing just six of their 19 games, winning eight times.
PREDICTION: It had been suggested that Barcelona would rotate their XI this evening, but they have named arguably their strongest side. Sociedad on the other hand, have left a couple of their first-teamers on the sidelines. Sociedad have enjoyed victories over Barcelona in recent seasons, but I cannot see anything other than a convincing win for the home side this evening. I am going to back a 4-1 win for Martino's side.
Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It must be said that there is an incredible atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. Will Barcelona record their sixth straight league win this season? The away side get the action underway in Barcelona.
Early opportunity for the away side as Bergara collects possession outside the box before attempting to place one into the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. Just a reminder of the main team news. No Fabregas in the Barcelona squad this evening, but Busquets returns to the midfield alongside Xavi and Iniesta. Sociedad, meanwhile, name Sangalli and Ros in their starting XI.
CROSSBAR! Sociedad come close to taking the lead inside three minutes as Seferovic thumps one from outside the box, but it smashes off the crossbar. What an opening from the away side. Mascherano is in trouble moments later as he is caught with a high boot from Busquets, but the Argentine does continue.
Strangely subdued start from the home side with Sociedad enjoying the majority of the possession at the Camp Nou. However, you just get the feeling that they need to take their chances during this sort of spell. Mascherano appears to be struggling, meanwhile, with the Argentine signalling to the bench that he might not be able to continue.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Sociedad (Neymar)
Barcelona take the lead with their first attack as Sanchez gets down the right before finding Neymar, who bundles it into the back of the net from close range. That is the Brazilian's first league goal of the season. What an opening to this La Liga encounter.
No sign of Sociedad sitting back this evening as they continue to open up, committing players to each attack. However, that will certainly play into the arms of the home side. Griezmann attempts to find Sangalli with a through pass moments later, but Pique is across to make the clearance at the vital moment.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Sociedad (Messi)
Barcelona have their second of the evening as Neymar drives past his full back before finding Messi, who plants a powerful header into the back of the net from close range. Two attacks, two goals. Where do Sociedad go from here? This score could be anything this evening there is no question about that.
CHANCE! Barcelona come close to making it 3-0 as Neymar collects a long pass from Xavi before attempting to round the goalkeeper, but Bravo just manages to clear at the vital moment. Every single time Barcelona attack it looks as if they are going to score. Griezmann has a free kick down the other end, but Pique is on hand to clear the danger.
The match has just settled in the last couple of moments with Barcelona enjoying possession of the ball in the Sociedad half. You have to admire the away side for their approach this evening, but it could leave them on the end of a real hiding. Mascherano, meanwhile, is moving much better following that early clash with his own teammate Busquets. Still 2-0 with 13 minutes on the clock.
Barcelona have the ball in the back of the net for a third time as Neymar finds Xavi, who turns home from close range, but the Brazilian had moved into an offside position. Messi threatens moments later, but Inigo Martinez is across to make the challenge. What a stunning 15 minutes of football we have had at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona continue to pass and probe outside the Sociedad box, but the away side have just managed to tighten up following a difficult opening to proceedings. Neymar is on his bike again moments later, but the official raises his flag. Sociedad are down the other end with Sangalli moments later, but his through pass is straight into the arms of Valdes.
Dani Alves threatens moments later with a low cross into the box, but De La Bella is on hand to make the clearance. The Brazilian wins a free kick outside the box moments later, which eventually finds its way to Neymar, but his low cross is cleared behind his own crossbar by Martinez. All hands to the pump for Sociedad.
Slight problem for Prieto with the Sociedad midfielder falling to the ground holding his thigh. The away side are indeed forced into the change with Agirretxe entering proceedings. A striker for a midfielder at 2-0 down at the Camp Nou. Brave! A goal for the away side would just raise the atmosphere inside the stadium.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-0 Sociedad (Busquets)
Barcelona have their third of the evening with 23 minutes on the clock as Busquets thumps one into the bottom corner from outside the box. Messi had a glorious chance moments before, but he smashed the crossbar. Sociedad are in deep, deep trouble here.
This could seriously be anything that Barcelona want it to be. This is the team that finished fourth in Spain last season, but Barcelona are utterly taking them apart. It is difficult to watch. Neymar has another opportunity moments later, but Cadamuro manages to thump clear at the vital moment.
Barcelona continue to pass and probe outside the box with Neymar ever involved in the final third. Adriano has a half-chance moments later as the Brazilian is found by Iniesta inside the box, but Bravo comes across to collect at the vital moment. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining in the Camp Nou.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Sociedad managing to repel some of the pressure. Obviously, it is already damage limitation, but they have a number of attacking players on the field. Barcelona have already won 7-0 in the league this season, but could better that total this time around. Almost like a pre-season fixture for the champions at the moment.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Agirretxe drives a low cross into the box, but Pique is on hand to make the clearance under pressure from Seferovic. Griezmann is involved moments later as he finds some space outside the Barcelona box, but his through pass is straight into the arms of Valdes. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Half-chance down the other end moments later as Sanchez attempts to curl one into the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post following good work from Messi. Mascherano does appear to be struggling at the moment with Bartra being put through is paces on the sidelines. It would not be a surprise to see Barcelona rotate in the second period.
Barcelona have the ball in the back of the net once more as Alves chests into the back of the net from close range, but he had moved into an offside position. Mascherano is indeed replaced moments later with the Argentine leaving the field for Bartra. Little over five minutes of football remaining in the first period.
Stunning football from Barcelona with Neymar and Iniesta both involved inside the box. Eventually it falls to Messi, but he cannot make proper contact - how often can you say that? The supporters are in wonderful voice at the moment as they applaud what they are seeing. It has been a just stunning performance from the home side thus far.
It is now three and a half matches since Sociedad last found the back of the net. They have not offered too much this evening, although Seferovic did rattle the crossbar in the early stages. Barcelona are so comfortable in possession as they continue to pass and probe outside the box. Little over three minutes of the half remaining.
De La Bella is involved down the left for Sociedad as he bursts past Alves before delivering a low cross into the box, but Valdes is on hand to collect with relative ease. Not too much to report in the last couple of moments for Barcelona, despite their utter domination in possession. It could have been worse for Sociedad in this first period.
Another half-chance for the home side as Neymar finds Messi inside the box, but Estrada manages to make a fine block at the vital moment. Sociedad are down the other end moments later with Griezmann, but Valdes is on hand to make the save. End-to-end football in the last couple of moments.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 3-0 Sociedad
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Barcelona leading 3-0 courtesy of goals from Neymar, Messi and Busquets. Sociedad did threaten in the opening couple of moments with Seferovic rattling the crossbar, but it has been one-way traffic since the home side opened the scoring.
STATISTICS: The home side have had 72% of the possession thus far, while they have had seven attempts to Sociedad's three. In truth, it has been just about as one-sided as you could imagine at this level of football. If the same tempo continues in the second period, it could get a lot worse for the away side.
BENCH WATCH: Both sides have already been forced into a change with Bartra replacing Mascherano for Barcelona and Agirretxe replacing Prieto for the away side. Barcelona still have the likes of Pedro, Tello and Alex Song in reserve, while Sociedad also have options in the shape of Vela and Castro. It would not be a surprise to see more changes at the interval.
Here we go then. Both sides join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that there is another La Liga match currently taking place with Levante and Real Valladolid drawing 1-1 at the interval. One change for Sociedad at the interval with Ansotegi replacing Estrada. Barcelona get the second period underway.
As expected, Barcelona have taken control of the possession in the early stages of the second period with the likes of Xavi and Iniesta enjoying plenty of the ball. How much do Barcelona want to score more goals? It will be interesting to see their attitude in the second period. Sociedad's willingness to attack should leave gaps in behind.
Just a reminder that Sociedad have not scored in their last three matches in all competitions. This match is beyond them, but they will want to end that record this evening. Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in what has been a fairly low-key start to the second period in the Camp Nou. I suspect the likes of Tello and Dos Santos could see some action around the hour mark.
Strange goalkeeping from Bravo as the Sociedad stopper pushes a Messi effort straight into the box, but De La Bella is across to clear at the vital moment. Neymar again causes problems moments later with a deep cross into the box, but Martinez manages to clear. The tempo has certainly been raised in the last minute or two.
Another half-chance for Messi as the Argentine twists and turns on the edge of the box before striking an effort on goal, but Bravo is across to make a fine save. Sociedad just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Messi somehow fires high and wide of the crossbar from inside the box. How was that not 4-0?!
Barcelona continue to dominate the possession, but it has been better from Sociedad in the second period with Griezmann starting to enjoy more of the ball in the final third. Barcelona almost punish them on the counter moments later as Neymar drives into the box, but Bravo is across to make the save. He could have had a hat trick this evening there is no question about that.
Wonderful link-up between Messi and Iniesta as the two combine inside the box, but Martinez just manages to clear at the vital moment. It would not be a surprise to see Martino make a couple of changes in the next five minutes or so. Barcelona in complete control with little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
Sociedad simply cannot keep hold of the ball at the moment as another loose pass from De La Bella allows Sanchez to strike an effort towards goal, but it just flashes wide of the crossbar at the vital moment. The atmosphere inside the stadium has just dropped in the last couple of moments with almost a pre-season pace about the match. Sociedad have been so disappointing this evening.
Again Xavi is involved for the home side as he finds some space inside the box before chipping a cross towards Neymar, but it just moves over the head of the Brazilian. Sociedad are down the other end with Sangalli moments later, but his header is straight into the arms of Valdes. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining in the Camp Nou.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-1 Sociedad (De La Bella)
Sociedad open their tally for the evening as De La Bella is on hand to tap home from close range following poor defending from Pique. Barcelona had just moved off the pace in the last couple of moments and they have paid the price.
Sociedad continue to impress as Griezmann collects possession outside the box before thumping an effort towards the bottom corner, but Valdes is on hand to make the save. Could the most unlikely of comebacks be on? It would not be a surprise to see Barcelona score a couple more in the final 20 minutes or so.
Half-chance for Sanchez to make it 4-1 for the home side as the Chilean bursts into the box before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but Ros just does enough to put him off at the final moment. Sociedad are down the other end with De la Bella moments later, but Busquets is on hand to block his effort from distance.
Another half-chance for Sanchez as the Chilean meets a cross from Xavi, but he can only plant his header over the crossbar. Not too much from the away side in the last couple of moments, but they could set up a grandstand finish with a goal in the next five minutes or so. Still plenty of time for things to change in the Camp Nou.
Griezmann again threatens for the away side as he strikes one from outside the box, but Valdes is on hand to make the save. Sanchez attempts to break down the other end moments later, but he fouls Prieto. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining in the Camp Nou, with Pedro preparing to join us.
The change is indeed made as Pedro replaces Neymar, who has again been very impressive for the Catalan outfit. It just isn't quite happening for the home side in the final third at the moment, however, with Sociedad tighter defensively. However, Pedro has given them fresh legs down the left.
GOAL! Barcelona 4-1 Sociedad (Bartra)
Barcelona do indeed have their fourth of the evening as Messi finds Bartra, who has the simple task of tapping home from close range. Sociedad make their third and final change moments later as Ruben Pardo enters the field in place of Ros.
You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the scoring this evening with both sides still committing players in the final third. Meanwhile, Barcelona are preparing to make their third and final change with Roberto gathering his final instructions. Little over 10 minutes remaining at the Camp Nou.
Half-chance for Sociedad as Agirretxe rises in the box, but he can only head over the crossbar from close range. Barcelona do indeed make their third change moments later with Messi leaving the field for Roberto. Another incredible performance from the Argentine.
Alves threatens for the home side moments later as he attempts to collect a through pass from Sanchez, but Bravo is out to collect at the vital moment. Not too much from Sociedad in the last few moments, but they can be pleased with their performance in the second period. Half-chance for Pedro moments later, but he curls high and wide of the crossbar.
Half-chance for Roberto to get in on the act as the youngster collects a pass from Xavi, but he just loses control at the vital moment, allowing De La Bella across to make the challenge. A deep corner from Xavi moments later hands an opportunity to Pique, but his header is high and wide of the crossbar.
Half-chance for Iniesta to get in on the act as he collects a pass from Busquets, but his effort is straight into the arms of Bravo. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Sociedad want this one over as quickly as possible.
POST! Sanchez comes close to making it five in the latter stages as he meets a cross from Alves, but his header thumps off the post. That is just about that for this one.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 4-1 Sociedad
So there we have it. Barcelona make it six wins from six with a 4-1 win over Sociedad. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for action between Atletico and Osasuna. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
