Barcelona 4 Sociedad 2: Catalan hero Pique scores days after taking pay cut as Koeman’s side begin life after Messi
BARCELONA endured a nervy 4-2 win against Real Sociedad in their first LaLiga game without club icon Lionel Messi.
A brace from former Middlesbrough forward Martin Braithwaite secured all three points for Ronald Koeman's side at the Nou Camp.
Around 20,000 fans attended the Nou Camp to see their first Barca game in 17 months due to Covid restrictions, with 10,000 tickets unsold.
Many supporters decided to stay away from the famous Catalan arena following Messi's move to French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 19th minute through defender Gerard Pique, who converted an excellent delivery from Memphis Depay.
Braithwaite then doubled their lead by emulating Pique and heading home just before half-time.
The Danish striker seemingly settled the game in the 59th minute, finishing a loose ball to score his first double for the club.
But Barca were made to sweat when Sociedad youngster Julen Lobete reduced the deficit in the 82nd minute.
And it was 3-2 just moments later when Mikel Oyarzabal scored a stunning free-kick, emulating the great Messi with a superb left-footed strike.
A late goal from Sergi Roberto finally settled a dramatic game at the Nou Camp as Koeman's side started the post-Messi era with a win.
Speaking to the press after the match, Pique said: "We made things complicated for ourselves but we played a great game.
"We controlled it for 80 minutes and although we were on the edge after their free kick, we got the fourth goal.
"The new players adapted well and the fans were excited about the football we played."
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