Barcelona 4-2 Real Sociedad: Big win to start the season as Memphis shines

It was the start of the new era and, truth be told, it was pretty good. Barcelona no longer have the best player in the world, in Lionel Messi, but they have one hungry to take his place, in Memphis Depay.

The Dutchman was exceptional on his debut and inspired the win, along with Martin Braithwaite who netted twice and added an assist.

Barcelona dominated much of the game and only a late snooze allowed Real Sociedad back in, before Sergi Roberto killed the game off in stoppage time.

It started, though, with Gerard Pique. Not just in the sense that his pay cut allowed Memphis and Eric Garcia to be registered, but in that he broke the deadlock.

Memphis curled in a free kick and Pique nodded home in the 19th minute, celebrating before fans, back in the stands at a delighted Camp Nou.

Long before the goal they had chanted Pique’s name and cheered him on in particular, for his actions over the past few days.

Messi was chanted by some after 10 minutes, but others whistled the PSG man, with his departure still a raw and searing wound.

He wasn’t missed in a footballing sense, at least, with Memphis running the show and Antoine Griezmann looking more confident without the Argentine.

The second goal came before the break with Frenkie de Jong curling over a nice cross for Braithwaite to head home.

The Dane netted the third, too, after Memphis played in Jordi Alba, and that looked like that. Koeman started making substitutions, although curiously he did not take off the exhausted Pedri.

Barcelona lost their rhythm and Real Sociedad hit back. Lobete pulled one back then Oyarzabal bagged a stunning free kick to make it two. Game on?

No. Sergi Roberto converted Braithwaite’s cross from close range to seal the three points for Barca. The new project starts now.