Barcelona prove too strong for upstarts Real Sociedad

Football - La Liga Santander - FC Barcelona v Real Sociedad - Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - December 16, 2020. Barcelona's Lionel Messi in action. [REUTERS/Albert Gea]

Barcelona finally made a statement of intent in what has been a chaotic season as they came from behind to beat La Liga leaders Real Sociedad 2-1 at home on Wednesday.

Brazilian striker Willian Jose gave the visitors the lead from close range in the 27th minute but Barca came right back at them, levelling four minutes later when Jordi Alba smashed the ball into the top corner with his weaker right foot.

The Catalans took the lead shortly before halftime when Frenkie de Jong arrived into the box and poked home a cross from Jordi Alba, initially seeing the goal ruled out for offside but then celebrating when it was awarded after a VAR review.

Real Sociedad were missing David Silva and top scorer Mikel Oyarzabal and failed to rise to the occasion, yet they had several chances to equalise, such as when Alexander Isak was thwarted by a fine tackle from Barca's Pedri then a great save by Marc-Andre ter Stegen from close range. 

Barcelona's Antoine Griezmann misses sitter against Real Sociedad. [REUTERS/Albert Gea]