Robert Lewandowski scored twice as Barcelona defeated Real Sociedad 4-1 on Sunday, while Ansu Fati came on as a substitute.
Lewandowski put the Catalans up just 49 seconds into the game, thanks to a great assist from Alejandro Balde, who was starting in place of Jordi Alba.
LEWANDOWSKI FIRST GOAL FOR BARCELONA! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/0vHkqc8WYz
— ESPN (@espn) August 21, 2022
The jubilation, and lead, lasted barely five minutes, as La Real equalised through Aleksandr Isak owing to a sloppy giveaway from Frenkie de Jong, who was given the start in Sergio Busquets’ absence.
After a fast-paced first 20 minutes, both teams appeared to calm down. Xavi used a 3-4-3 formation, with Ronald Araujo at right back and Ferran Torres completing the front three alongside Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele.
Aside from Lewandowski’s goal, Barcelona struggled to create chances in the first half, with La Real looking the superior team.
With Xavi not making any replacements at the start of the second half, not much changed.
Xavi made his first two substitutions in the 64th minute, bringing in Ansu Fati and Raphinha for Torres and Balde, respectively.
It didn’t take Fati long to have an effect, as two minutes later, Fati flicked the ball to Dembele, who ran to the left. The Frenchman lined up his shot and sent it past the La Real goalkeeper.
ANSU FATI WITH THE BEAUTIFUL ASSIST FOR DEMBELE 😲 pic.twitter.com/VD5hrgcous
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 21, 2022
See Also: Bundesliga: Free-scoring Bayern Munich Make History Despite Losing Lewandowski
Lewandowksi got his brace and increased Barcelona’s lead two minutes after Dembele gave them the lead. Fati and De Jong were both part in the build up this time.
¡Doblete de Lewy! ⚽️⚽️
El Barcelona ya lo pone 3-1.🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/pn8QjceKQP
— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) August 21, 2022
Ansu Fati would put a bow on the proceedings in the 79th minute, scoring Barcelona’s fourth and final goal off a brilliant backheel pass from Lewandowski that left the 19-year-old one-on-one with the goalie.
¡Ansu para el cuarto! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/gMDvlIptQH
— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) August 21, 2022
What’s Next For Barcelona?
Xavi’s men will face Manchester City in a midweek friendly before returning to La Liga action next Sunday against Real Valladolid at Camp Nou. After that, the Catalan club will travel to Sevilla.
COMMENTS