It was a special occasion that took place at the Camp Nou when Barcelona for the first time since 2004 was to play a match without Lionel Messi at the club.
As announced, Lionel Messi was hailed as the match round ten minutes. The supporters sang and applauded the Argentine who said goodbye to the club just days ago.
It was not just Messi who was to be applauded, for Barcelona delivered a good match in the series opener against Real Sociedad.
Martin Braithwaite took charge and scored two goals in the 4-2 victory. Thus, there was finally something to rejoice over for Barca fans after some turbulent weeks.
– They worked together, the war for every single ball and a very good victory for team morale here, says expert Morten Langli in the La Liga studio.
Went down in salary – scored
The new signing Memphis Depay appeared almost immediately. He hit a free kick that Gerard Pique stabbed into goal.
– There are many Messi suits, but also Pique suits. He is a carrier of continuity in Barcelona. When Pique just gets his head on it, there is no chance for the goalkeeper, said commentator Endre Olav Osnes.
Depay was just registered in time for the match, precisely because of Pique. The defender went down sharply in salary earlier this week to get the new signings approved due to La Liga’s salary restrictions.
– For me it was an easy choice. It was a gesture above the club. It’s the club, my family and my life. I was born and raised here, and the club means a lot to me, Gerard Pique said after the match.
Summary: Barcelona – Real Sociedad 4-2
Braithwaite gambling
Barcelona continued to drive, and just before the break Martin Braithwaite doubled the lead. The Dane headed in a perfect post by Frenkie De Jong.
– Martin Braithwaite gets to start the series premiere and thanks for the trust with a cash blow, Osnes exclaimed.
The attacking player was not finished for the day. Before the hour was played, Braithwaite appeared on a return and increased the lead to 3-0 for the Catalans.
He scored two goals in eleven starts and eighteen innings last season. Now it only took the hour to get up to the same number for the Dane.
Free kick pearl
It looked very comfortable for Barcelona, but let Real not give up. First, Christmas Lobete came forward and lit a hope.
Beautiful free kick by Oyarzabal
It was further strengthened when Mikel Oyarzabal scored a beautiful free kick with five minutes left to play.
Instead of equalizing, Barca punctured the match. Martin Braithwaite served a pre-scored post to Sergi Roberto who ran into the nail in the coffin.
Barcelona rode the storm and eventually won 4-2.
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