Barcelona

Xavi lined up his team a very unorthodox manner, using Frenkie de Jong and one of Gavi and Pedri as the double pivot. The Spanish duo rotated duties between ...

Set up Ansu Fati for the fourth, as well, even though it did not count as an assist. He was unable to combine with the team, and looked very rusty off the ball, as well. Scored his first goal for Barcelona in the first minute and added another one 67 minutes later. That changed, however, when Xavi shifted him to the left for the final half an hour. Raphinha’s involvement will go under the radar by many, but his passing unlocked Sociedad’s defence multiple times. Not only was he unable to do that well, his lack of awareness led to Sociedad’s goal. He combined brilliantly with Lewandowski, and was involved in all three goals the visitors scored. Xavi lined up his team a very unorthodox manner, using Frenkie de Jong and one of Gavi and Pedri as the double pivot. Should have been subbed off earlier, though, for his own good. Barcelona made that trip today, hoping to register their first win of the season. Almost made a heroic tackle to stop Sociedad’s equaliser, too. De Jong was playing in his natural role, tonight, for the first time in a while.

Barcelona goleó a la Real Sociedad por 4-1, sumando su primer triunfo del certamen. Resumen y goles.

Novedades en la alineación de Xavi, con el ingreso de Balde en lugar de Alba. Luego de empate en el debut ante el Rayo, los de Xavi viajan rumbo a Anoeta buscando su primer triunfo de La Liga. Minuto 63: Primeros cambios en el equipo de Xavi. El local salió demasiado lanzado en ataque, se desprotegió en la contra y un buen avance de Balde terminó dejando al exBayern frente a la portería para desviar el balón y poner el rápido 1-0. Minuto 5: ¡Gol de la Real Sociedad! Buena asistencia de Isak para dejar a Merino frente a Ter Stegen, pero el portero visitante se impuso en el duelo y salvó la segunda caída de su valla. Espectacular asistencia de taco del recién ingresado Ansu y remate cruzado perfecto de Dembélé para colocar el 2-1. - BAR - A. - BAR - R. - BAR - O. El 10 del Barça tuvo un impacto inmediato en el juego: taco y asistencia para Dembéle en el 2-1, nueva asistencia para el doblete de Lewandowski y finalmente, gol propio para sentenciar el partido. Isak igualó tras una pérdida de De Jong en mitad de campo y desde allí se vio un tramo sumamente disputado e intenso, en el que Ter Stegen salvó en varias ocasiones a la visita.

Barca were being held until the moment Ansu Fati came off the bench, his brilliant back-heel set up Ousmane Dembele to score to regain the lead. Pedri then ...

5’ – GOAL (ISAK) – De Jong is robbed in possession in his own half and Silva slides a good through ball to the through on goal Swedish striker. A fantastic team goal, Raphinha fires one into Fati in the middle on the edge of the box. Isak is a tad wide but his strike takes a deflection off the trying to block Garcia and loops over the keeper. 1’ – GOAL (LEWANDOWSKI) – It's the birthday boy with his first goal in a Barca shirt - Lewandowski. They simply turned on the style and the hosts could not cope with their quality as Lewandowski and Fati took control of the game to seal three points. The match got off to a flying start when Robert Lewandowski scored his first goal for the Catalan giants just 43 seconds into the game.

Robert Lewandowski marked his 34th birthday in style, Ansu Fati made the most of his substitute shift, and other takeaways from Barcelona's win.

[Gerard Pique](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/45931/Gerard-Piqué) and [Sergi Roberto](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/150225/Sergi-Roberto) -- had not started. The German goalkeeper made two more fine stops, both from [Mikel Merino](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/209581/Mikel-Merino), and the home side had a goal ruled out for offside. [Raphinha](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/231050/Raphinha) and Ansu in the 64th minute. [Ousmane Dembele](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/229744/Ousmane-Dembélé) scored in the 66th minute with Lewandowski adding his second two minutes later. [Upcoming fixtures](/soccer/fixtures?league=esp.1) His first-half performance was the symptom of a disjointed Barca, though, and he improved as the game developed. [Raphinha](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/231050/Raphinha), a €55m signing from [Leeds United](/soccer/team?id=357), was introduced, but it was an academy graduate in Ansu who stole the show. [Best/worst performers](#bestworst) [Highlights and notable moments](#highlights) [Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. [Bayern Munich](/soccer/team?id=132). [Barcelona beat Real Sociedad](/soccer/report/_/gameId/643785)

PETE JENSON IN SPAIN: Lewandowski needed just 45 seconds to score on his 34th birthday but it was the magic of 19-year-old Ansu Fati that powered Barcelona ...

Injuries have slowed his young career down but he is up and running once more and he was too much for Real Sociedad. Lewandowski repaid Fati for the fourth. Lewandowski was keen to finish what he started and he scored from close range after a fine close-passing move from Barcelona.

Robert Lewandowski left his mark with a pair of goals on his 34th birthday, and Barcelona saw its high-profile attack finally click in a 4-1 win at Real ...

Morata, back from on loan with Juventus, had scored twice in the 3-0 victory at Getafe, when Félix had three assists. Lewandowski's second goal came from close range in the 68th after another assist by Fati. The hosts equalized with a goal from Alexander Isak in the sixth minute after a nice through ball by veteran David Silva, but Barcelona’s forwards stood out in the second half. “It had been difficult for me against Simeone,” Emery said. “We came in very motivated to get the win and that’s what happened.” “It’s crazy all the goals he scores and how he works to help the team.”

(EFE) -- El delantero polaco del Barcelona Robert Lewandowski fue el gran protagonista este domingo en la victoria azulgrana en su visita a la Real Sociedad ...

63), Dembelé (Jordi Alba, min. 1-4, min. 84), De Jong (Kessié, min. 84); Ferrán (Ansu Fati, min. 1-2, min. 1-1, min.

Manchester City's hopes of keeping Bernardo Silva this summer may have just been given a boost. The Catalan club have failed to register Jules Kounde for ...

This is the club's second game of the season, and their new signing has still had to wait to make his debut due to financial issues. Manchester City's hopes of keeping Bernardo Silva this summer may have just been given a boost. Barcelona have failed to register Jules Kounde for their second game of the season amid the clubs interest for Bernardo Silva.

On his 34th birthday, the Polish striker scored his first competitive goals in his second match for Barcelona. He opened the scoring after just 47 seconds, ...

Robert Lewandowski ended the game with Sociedad with two goals and an assist to his name. Barcelona coach Xavi noted: “Last week [a goalless home draw against lowly Rayo Vallecano] was a major disappointment, but this victory strengthens us because it's about insisting and having the will to overcome challenges.” He opened the scoring after just 47 seconds, guiding a left-footed finish in the bottom corner.

Robert Lewandowski and his new Barcelona teammates showed how dangerous they might be this season with a thumping 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad on Sunday, ...

We had to be brave after not winning last week and the bet came out well for us." There are a lot of youngsters who I get chemistry on the pitch with quickly." "It was incredible, I'm very happy and proud of the team because, in the second half, we were playing really well and we scored four goals. Now, we go back to Barcelona and we'll enjoy it for the next few days." But Barça was pegged back just minutes later. He added: "The first game [against Rayo Vallecano] wasn't good, everything was new.

It's critical Xavi gets it right for Barcelona on the pitch, and let's just say he did it this weekend. PLUS: talking points galore around Europe.

But it looks like Napoli have managed to reload on the fly between Kvaratskhelia, Gio Simeone and [Giacomo Raspadori](http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/271679/Giacomo-Raspadori) up front and Leo Ostigaard and Min-Jae Kim at the back, while also cutting the wage bill and bringing in some much needed transfer funds. [Sadio Mane](http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/169797/Sadio-Mané) who is, you know, pretty good. From Atletico's point of view, there were some disappointing individual performances (Joao Felix, [Marcos Llorente](http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/206474/Marcos-Llorente) and [Nahuel Molina](http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/164826/Nahuel-Molina), with his silly red card, above all) and the result obviously stings (Villarreal are a direct opponent in the race for top four), but there were also encouraging signs that the back three can hold up. [Erling Haaland](http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/253989/Erling-Haaland) hit the post and forced a tremendous one-on-one save from the excellent [Nick Pope](http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/161715/Nick-Pope) before he scored to make it 2-1. [Monza](/soccer/team?id=4007), and you expect Neapolitan schoolchildren to learn both the pronunciation and the spelling of his name. Martin Odegaard, who scored twice, has found his feet and [Oleksandr Zinchenko](http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/217482/Oleksandr-Zinchenko), playing fullback the Pep Guardiola way -- coming inside and playmaking -- offers a different dimension entirely. And if Leeds' forwards weren't running north-south at every occasion, [Kalidou Koulibaly](http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/150312/Kalidou-Koulibaly) likely wouldn't have gotten two yellow cards for pulling back opponents. Stones didn't have a great game and [Ruben Dias](http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/234878/Rúben-Dias) has been inconsistent in recent weeks. [Manchester City](/soccer/team?id=382) were 3-1 down against [Newcastle United](/soccer/team?id=361) at a rocking St James' Park, and it could have been worse, if the referee had given a penalty or [John Stones](http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/157974/John-Stones)' collision with [Fabian Schar](http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/179233/Fabian-Schär). And yes, [Kyle Walker](http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/129358/Kyle-Walker) had a torrid afternoon against [Allan Saint-Maximin](http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/193281/Allan-Saint-Maximin), but the good news is he only plays him twice a year. [Ferran Torres](http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/265869/Ferran-Torres) started in his place) and especially Ansu Fati, effectively moving to a 3-3-4 formation. At this stage, you assume he's going nowhere because with Nico having joined [Valencia](/soccer/team?id=94) on loan, there's nobody else to provide an alternative to Busquets (and no, [Franck Kessie](http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/194711/Franck-Kessié) would have to reinvent himself to play that role.)

After Barcelona's thrilling 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad on Sunday evening Pete Sharland gets in touch with Jorge Ordas from Eurosport Spain.

“Without a doubt it is one of the plays that decides the game,” Ordas replies. “But, behind it, there is a gesture that did not sit well with the club. The decision looked to pay off pretty much straight away as it was his assist for Lewandowski’s blistering opener. But it was Ansu Fati coming off the bench who really caught our eyes. This performance looked a lot more like what people expected when they saw Barca’s aggressive spending in the window. There was certainly a lot of schadenfreude last weekend when Barca couldn’t get past Rayo despite all the millions they had spent, especially with Jules Kounde still unable to be registered.

El nuevo Barcelona de Xavi intentará dejar atrás una 2021-2022 demasiado frustrante, sobre todo en términos de competición europea, donde se quedaron afuera ...

Barcelona integra el Bombo 2, por lo que compartirá grupo con un cabeza de serie. Entre ellos apenas queda descartado el Real Madrid, ya que equipos de un mismo país no pueden compartir zona. Con varias incorporaciones rutilantes, los catalanes intentarán recuperar la gloria perdida y lo primero a descubrir pasa por sus posibles rivales en el grupo de la Champions League.

Let's review, shall we? There were big wins for Barcelona and Real Madrid, even bigger ones for Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, and drama galore in the ...

If he has a few more performances like he did during Sunday's 4-0 battering of Monza, and you expect Neapolitan schoolchildren to learn both the pronunciation and the spelling of his name. For a start, this was Atalanta away -- a tough nut to crack and a side who, this season, are playing a little more on the counter. It was always going to be a war of attrition between Atletico Madrid and Villarreal, but this game would have been a barn-burner if not for some stellar saves from Jan Oblak (no surprise there) and Geronimo Rulli. It was the sort of performance (particularly in the first half) that likely gave Antonio Conte fits, but Tottenham nevertheless grabbed the three points against Wolves thanks to a Harry Kane strike. Chelsea have a bloated squad with an excess of players they need to shift, and it's always tough to bring guys in at the right price when teams know you're desperate (Wesley Fofana being Exhibit A). And with that in mind, you wonder if the departure of Casemiro frees up funds for some last-minute shopping. And you can see the effects, starting from the defending: they've conceded just one goal and that was down to an individual error by Manuel Neuer (who doesn't make many). Yes, it's a long season with a World Cup smack in the middle, but those who wrote off Neymar and Messi may want a rethink. For the time being however, they're doing everything right and in terms of building confidence (in themselves and in Eddie Howe), Sunday was huge. And frankly, it's hard for Xavi to even plan when he's not sure what's going to happen between now and the end of the window. This was the sort of game where you doff your cap to Newcastle's performance, marvel at City's stacked talent, marvel at the entertainment these two served up in 90 minutes and move on. There were big wins for Barcelona and Real Madrid, even bigger ones for Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, and drama galore in the Premier League as Manchester City were put under stress by Newcastle United and Chelsea were humbled by a fitter, happier, more energetic Leeds United side.

Xavi's Barcelona will host the Premier League champions on Wednesday 24 August at the Nou Camp. Originally, the game was scheduled to take place at 8am, however ...

And it seems he has stuck to that promise. Originally, the game was scheduled to take place at 8am, however, Uefa have requested that it is pushed back half an hour. “We want to thank Barca for inviting us to this wonderful venue. Barcelona and Manchester City have met six times in the Champions League, although the English side have won just one of these meetings – the last back in 2016, where an Ilkay Gundogan double helped City to a 3-1 victory. “There is time to train and recover in a good environment and we go because Barcelona opened their doors to make a game for an important person in our lives – he was a keeper for Spain and Barcelona and my assistant there, who is having an incredibly difficult time – and they invited us to raise money for a battle that he has for his disease.” [to their Premier League title defence](https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/liverpool-premier-league-title-race-man-city-points-dropped-1797572?ico=in-line_link), Manchester City will travel to Spain for a friendly with Barcelona between their next two league matches.

Atlético-Villarreal was the first high-flying clash of the new LaLiga season and it turned out to be a game of two halves. Little happened for the first ...

Once the smoke cleared, we were able to witness a match in which Pedri’s quality shone through, but Barça, without fluency, did not look like a team that was up for it. It all led to a second goal for the Yellow Submarine with a brawl over Gerard’s misjudged celebration. Little happened for the first hour, a kind of football-gasoil with no rhythm or excitement.