Barcelona won 4-2 victory over Real Sociedad which was marked by Martin Braithwaite’s brilliant performance in the first week of the Spain La Liga at Camp Nou, Monday (16/8).
Braithwaite became Barcelona’s best player in this match. The Danish striker scored two goals and provided one assist in front of his own public.
Barcelona managed to produce three opportunities in the first 15 minutes. All three opportunities were obtained by Griezmann and one of the opportunities he got was still hitting the Sociedad crossbar.
The Blaugrana broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. The Blaugrana took a 1-0 lead after Gerard Pique headed home from a corner.
The new hosts could double the position in the first half of injury time. Braithwaite scored his first goal of the game with a header from Frenkie de Jong’s cross which moved to the right of attack.
Braithwaite then scored his second goal of the game in the 59th minute. Braithwaite’s flick from close range took advantage of a vomit ball that was pushed aside by Alex Remiro to rattle the Sociedad goal.
Sociedad did not give up despite trailing 0-3 to the hosts. The Sociedad players continued to put pressure on Barcelona’s defense, which had been solid since the start of the match.
Sociedad’s hard work paid off in the 82nd minute. Julen Lobete managed to reduce the score to 1-3 after his left foot shot from inside the penalty box nestled into the right corner of Neto’s goal.
Five minutes before the end of the second half, Sociedad managed to score their second goal to make the score 2-3. Mikel Oyarzabal’s free kick from outside the penalty box shook the Barcelona goal.
Sociedad’s efforts to equalize had to be dashed after Barcelona scored their fourth goal in second-half injury time. Substitute Sergi Roberto easily struck the ball into an empty net after receiving Braithwaite’s pass.
After that no additional goals were created. Barcelona ended the match with a 4-2 win over Sociedad.
Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman praised the performance of Martin Braithwaite, who scored two goals and provided one assist. Koeman said he was lucky to have a player like Braithwaite. Koeman said the 30-year-old striker always sacrificed for the team.
“I think he [Braithwaite] is an example of a professional player, he has always worked for the team and has improved his game,” Koeman was quoted as saying by Football Espana.
“He helps this team a lot. He has speed and is difficult to stop. I am happy to have a player like him,” continued the Dutch coach.
Koeman then praised Memphis Depay’s performance. The movement of the Dutch winger helped Barcelona dismantle the Sociedad defense. Depay created an assist which saw Gerard Pique score Barcelona’s opener.
“Depay played great and created great assists. He always does this,” said Koeman.
Finally Koeman gave praise to Pique. Koeman said Pique is an example of a senior player who deserves to be a role model. Before the match against Sociead, Pique agreed to accept a pay cut to help Barcelona’s financial problems.
“For me, Pique is also a leader. This season he is much better physically, his behavior is an example, as other veteran players have shown,” said Koeman.
