Barcelona welcomed Real Sociedad to Camp Nou on Saturday knowing that a win would see them stretch their lead at the top of the La Liga table to seven points from Atletico Madrid.
The home side made the breakthrough in the 22nd minute when Neymar converted a low cross from Dani Alves, before Luis Suarez finished off an Alves cross to make it 2-0 late in the first period.
Neymar then added his second in the 53rd minute for 3-0, before Lionel Messi made it four in stoppage time.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome Real Sociedad. The hosts are currently in a fine run of form and will be confident of stretching their lead at the top of the table with another three points here, but Sociedad will be boosted by their 2-0 win over Sevilla last week in what was Eusebio Sacristan's first game in charge.
To suggest that the omens are not great for Sociedad this afternoon would be a bit of an understatement. Incredibly, Barcelona have won their last 17 home league games against Sociedad, keeping 10 clean sheets in the process. Last season, Barcelona were 2-0 winners in the corresponding league match, but that said, Sociedad did record a 1-0 win over the Catalan side at the Anoeta.
Barcelona will enter this match off the back of a thumping 6-1 win over Roma in the Champions League, which saw Luis Enrique's side book their spot in the knockout stage of the competition. Lionel Messi was back among the goals in the European clash, while Luis Suarez and Neymar also continued their fine run of form. All three should start again here, which is very bad news for Sociedad.
It is also exactly one week since Barcelona won 4-0 at Real Madrid in the league, with that result sending shockwaves around the world. Since losing to Sevilla in early October, Barcelona have won their last five in the league and have only conceded once in their last four matches. Scoring goals for fun and keeping tight down the other end is certainly a recipe for success!
Barcelona are also unbeaten in their last 13 home league matches, winning 12 of those fixtures. It is worth remembering that the Catalan side will be in Club World Cup action again next month, but they will face league games against Valencia and Deportivo La Coruna before making the trip. This might look a straight-forward match on paper, but Enrique will not want any mistakes from his team.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news...
TEAMS:
BARCA: Bravo; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Mathieu; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Neymar, Suarez, Messi
SOCIEDAD: Rulli; Aritz, Inigo, Mikel, Yuri; Pardo, Granero, Prieto; Canales, Agirretxe, Vela
So there we have it. Barcelona are without the services of in-form midfielder Sergi Roberto, who misses out through injury. Javier Mascherano was also a big doubt for the match, but has been passed fit to start at centre-back. Elsewhere, Jeremy Mathieu has replaced Jordi Alba at left-back. The very bad news for Sociedad is that, as expected, Messi, Neymar and Suarez are all in the XI.
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As for Sociedad, the very interesting news is that there is a start for Carlos Vela, who was left out of the squad last week amid speculation that he was close to agreeing a deal to move to the MLS. The Mexican starts here, however, alongside the in-form Imanol Agirretxe. Asier Illarramendi is suspended, however, while Jonathas missed out through injury. Ruben Pardo is picked to start in central midfield.
So there we have it. The team news is in and we are now little over 30 minutes from kickoff at Camp Nou. Barcelona currently top the table on 30 points, four clear of second-place Atletico Madrid and six clear of third-place Real Madrid. Another victory this afternoon would stretch that lead to seven points over Atletico and a massive nine over Los Blancos at this stage of the season.
No team has defended the Champions League in the modern era, but Barcelona look in the mood for more success in Europe. They should also be considered the favourites to claim another league title and the Copa del Rey trophy would make it another treble. It is just really difficult to see how teams can cope with the Messi, Suarez, Neymar trio in the final third. If one has an off-day, which is unlikely, then the other two will take on the responsibility. They are incredible footballers.
As for Sociedad, however, they will be boosted by their 2-0 win over Sevilla last time out. That result moved the Basque club into 14th position in the table, but they are just two points clear of the relegation zone following a difficult start to the season. Indeed, that difficult start led to David Moyes being relieved of his duties, just 12 months after taking the position with the Spanish outfit.
It is now up to former Barcelona B boss Eusebio to lead the club this season and finishing around the mid-point in the league will be his task. While this is a really tough game for Sociedad, their next three in the league are against Las Palmas, Eibar and Getafe, which are the type of fixtures which will determine how they perform this season. Eusebio will hope for a happy return to Barcelona!
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Sociedad have alternated between wins and defeats in their last five away games in the league and they were beaten at Las Palmas in their last game on the road. That pattern means that a win should arrive here, right? Well, that is the plan anyway. However, as mentioned, Sociedad have lost their last 17 league games away to Barcelona and failed to score in 10 of those fixtures.
Carlos Vela seemed to be on his way out of the club, with the MLS the Mexican's most likely destination, but the Mexican is in the XI here. It has been a really impressive start to the season from Imanol Agirretxe, meanwhile, who has scored nine times in the league thus far. Indeed, only Neymar and Suarez have found the back of the net more times than Agirretxe in Spain's top flight this season. The experienced striker will need to be at his best if Sociedad are to claim something this afternoon.
Immediately after this match, I will be bringing you live commentary of Atletico Madrid at home to Espanyol, so be sure to remain with me for that one. Tomorrow, Real Madrid will attempt to bounce back from successive league defeats when they make the trip to Eibar, who have been the real surprise package in the league this season. That is far from an easy game for Rafael Benitez's side.
PREDICTION! How can I predict anything other than a comfortable Barcelona win? Football has a funny way of throwing up surprises when you least expect it, but I just cannot see how Barcelona will not win on home soil this afternoon. I fancy Sociedad to score because they do have a number of talented players in the final third, but for me, it will be a comfortable 3-1 Barcelona win.
Sociedad are available at around 25/1 this afternoon if you fancy a bet, but it is difficult to imagine their back four keeping out the likes of Neymar, Messi and Suarez. All eyes will once again be on that wonderful trio, who are all in sensational form. Little over five minutes until kickoff here.
Is this man heading for Man City? Reports have claimed that the Premier League club are prepared to pay Messi £800,000 a week. Yes, you heard it. Just shy of £1,000,000 per week. I need to go and have a lie down before kickoff, but I would be astounded if that move actually occurred.
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KICK OFF! Here we go then - both sets of players have joined us on the pitch for the first 45 minutes. There is a brilliant atmosphere inside the stadium - plenty is going right for Barcelona at the moment. Can Sociedad spoil the party? It is the home side that get the first period underway...
... as expected, Barcelona have taken control of the possession in the early moments, with Bravo seeing plenty of the ball against his former club. The home supporters are in fine voice this afternoon, which is not much of a surprise. It is a good time to be a Barcelona supporter!
Sociedad are pressing high up the field at the moment and have had some joy down the right at the moment, which is the side that they will most likely target. Mathieu is in for Alba here and the Frenchman is not too comfortable at left-back. The hosts have a half-chance when Neymar slides a low pass into Suarez, who advances into a one-on-one situation, but Rulli is out to clear the danger.
Suarez's knee seemed to collide with the head/shoulder of Rulli during that incident and the Sociedad stopper does not look comfortable here. The visitors might be forced into a change...
... Rulli is back on his feet, but I shall keep a close eye on that one. It was fine goalkeeping from the Argentine, who was quickly at the feet of Suarez. It has been a bright six minutes here.
Messi finds space outside the Sociedad box before delivering a sensational pass towards Neymar, but once again Rulli is on hand to claim ahead of the Barcelona attacker. Sociedad are committing players forward when possible, but are playing a high line, which is inviting the hosts to pass early.
The flag stays down against Vela as the Mexican chases a through pass from Prieto, but the ball gathered pace on the surface and Bravo was out to collect. Rulli's injury seems to have settled down, but now Neymar looks to be struggling following a collision. Some injured men out there!
It has been a very positive start from Sociedad, with the visitors managing to force another corner, but the delivery is straight into the arms of Bravo. Barcelona break down the other end and it is Neymar that advances into the box, but once again Rulli is out to claim at the Brazilian's feet!
POST! Barcelona have a golden chance to take the lead as Suarez delivers a sensational pass onto the head of Iniesta, but his effort hits the post before being cleared! So close to 1-0 here!
Sociedad continue to commit players forward and have been more than willing to play football in the final third here. Canales takes it upon himself to have a strike, but his effort was always wide.
It is wonderful work from Messi as the Argentine drives past two defenders before combining with Neymar, but the return pass found the attacker in an offside position. Another effortless link between Messi and Neymar, who are just completely on the same wave-length. Still goalless here.
Half-chance for the away side as Canales delivers a sensational cross towards the near post, which causes Pique all sorts of bother, but Bravo is just ahead of Vela to make a strong claim.
Well, 21 minutes on the clock and it is a case of 'so far, so good' for Sociedad, who have been solid at the back and indeed threatening in the final third. They have needed their goalkeeper to be really bright, but the visitors are holding Barcelona at the moment. AT THE MOMENT!
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Sociedad (Neymar)
Barcelona make the breakthrough in the 22nd minute as Alves slides a low cross into Neymar and the Brazilian emphatically finishes into the top corner. Another super goal from Neymar here!
It would be unfair on Sociedad to say that the goal was coming, but Barcelona can hurt you from so many angles. If it is not Messi pulling off a stunning piece of skill, it is Neymar and Suarez causing havoc. I just cannot see any team stopping this machine, which is in full flow here.
Barcelona have another chance to threaten from a free kick as Inigo brings Suarez to the ground, but Messi's delivery is headed clear by Granero. The visitors continue to play their football in the final third, but have found it very difficult to create a clear chance. Barcelona deserve their lead.
Messi has only just returned from a two-month lay-off, but the MSN trio in the final third are already on 40 goals for the season. Just incredible numbers. It is Barcelona that continue to build in a wide position, with Alves and Rakitic causing all sorts of problems down the left of the field.
BOOKING! Yuri (Sociedad) is booked for a late challenge on Rakitic.
Is there a better player in the world at the moment than Neymar? Not for me. Nowhere close. He has been stunning this season and has indeed been stunning in the opening 31 minutes here. Only a slight mis-queue prevents the Brazil skipper from pulling off a serious piece of skill inside the box.
Sociedad have the chance to threaten from a set piece in a wide area, but Prieto's delivery is just over the head of Inigo and the home side manage to clear. Still 1-0 Barcelona with 33 played.
Elustondo is currently down for Sociedad following a late challenge from Neymar.
Sociedad continue to commit players forward and force a half-chance when Yuri delivers from a wide area, but it is Pique that makes first contact inside the box. Barcelona might be ahead and in control, but the visitors have shown that they are capable of causing problems at Camp Nou.
BOOKING! Granero (Sociedad) is booked for a late challenge on Suarez.
Little over five minutes of the first period remaining in Barcelona and there has not been many opportunities since Neymar opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. Still a very open game!
GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Sociedad (Suarez)
Barcelona double their lead in the latter stages of the first period as Alves drives down the right before delivering another sensational cross into Suarez, who expertly volleys one into the bottom corner. It is another wonderful goal from the striker, who cannot stop scoring at the moment.
Sociedad have actually played quite well in the first period, but they just cannot contain this devastating front three, who are once again in full flow. It is just amazing to watch.
Another half-chance for Barcelona as Messi lifts a sensational pass into the path of Mathieu, but the Frenchman, on the stretch, cannot find a teammate. Sociedad need the half-time break!
We are into the second of two additional minutes here.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side as Neymar races down the left before firing a cross towards Messi, but Sociedad somehow manage to bundle behind for just a corner.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 2-0 Sociedad
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Barcelona leading 2-0 courtesy of goals from Neymar and Suarez. Both strikes have arrived from Alves's crosses, with Neymar finishing in the 22nd minute and Suarez netting in the latter stages of the first period. Sociedad have not done too much wrong at Camp Nou, but just cannot deal with the MSN here.
STATS! Barcelona have had more of the ball with 59%, while they have had four attempts - three of which were on target. As for Sociedad, they have only managed two attempts off target in the first period. Just the two bookings to report, meanwhile, both of which have been awarded to the visitors.
BENCH WATCH! Barcelona have a wealth of talent on their bench this afternoon, with the likes of Alba, Adriano, Munir and Sandro all available. Sociedad, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Bruma and De la Bella. It is difficult to see what the visitors can do to change this game.
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Sociedad find a route back into the match? It will be tough! The visitors resume the action here...
... no changes from either side at the interval, which is not too surprising at this stage of events. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the half develops here.
It has been a decent start to the second period from Sociedad, possession-wise at least, with Prieto and Pardo exchanging passes in the middle of the park. One goal back would certainly change the atmosphere inside the stadium, but Yuri's long-range strike was always at Bravo.
BOOKING! Canales (Sociedad) is booked for a pull on Iniesta.
Just a reminder that a win for Barcelona would stretch their lead at the top of the table to seven points from Atletico Madrid, who face Espanyol at home this evening. Real Madrid, meanwhile, would be nine points behind the leaders. No sign of a Sociedad comeback at the moment here.
BOOKING! Pardo (Sociedad) is booked for a foul on Neymar.
Not too much to report in terms of chances since the break, with Barcelona more than happy to manage this game. In truth, the hosts are awfully comfortable at this stage of proceedings.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-0 Sociedad (Neymar)
Barcelona have their third of the afternoon and again it is Neymar that finds the back of the net. All of the credit has to go to Mathieu, however, who drills a super low cross into the Brazilian, who could not miss from close range. It is game, set and match as Barcelona storm three clear here.
Barcelona had made quite a slow start to the second period, but they have decided to up the tempo once again and Sociedad just cannot live with it. It is football of the highest level here.
BOOKING! Elustondo (Sociedad) is booked for a late challenge on Neymar.
Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and in truth, it is a walk in the park for Barcelona, who are showing all of their flicks and tricks. Sociedad are the latest team to be stung by this sensational outfit, who just cannot stop winning at the moment. They look so strong everywhere.
CLOSE! Barcelona come close to a fourth as Messi turns inside the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but his effort was just wide of the post. Moments later, Messi fires straight at Rulli as the Argentine goes in search of his first goal of the afternoon. More pressure here!
SOCIEDAD SUB! Canales is replaced by Mikel Oyarzabal.
BARCELONA SUB! Dani Alves is replaced by Adriano.
The tempo of the match has risen in the last few minutes, with both teams committing numbers in the final third. You get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals at Camp Nou.
Barcelona are preparing to make their second change of the match as this second period continues to gather pace. The tempo has dropped, but the home side remain in control here.
BARCELONA SUB! Mathieu is replaced by Jordi Alba.
Barcelona have a free kick in a very dangerous area here...
... Messi takes the set piece, but his effort was always swinging away from Rulli's post.
BARCELONA SUB! Marc Bartra replaces Mascherano.
Little under 20 minutes of football remaining in Barcelona and the home side are set to move seven points clear of Atletico at the top of the table. They have been too strong once again.
Adriano is fortunate to escape a yellow for Barcelona after diving into a late challenge with Prieto. Meanwhile, the visitors are preparing to make their second change of the contest here.
SOCIEDAD SUB! Agirretxe is withdrawn for Litri.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but Sociedad are still committing numbers forward in a bid to score at least one goal. Just a reminder that straight after this match I will be covering Atletico against Espanyol so be sure to stick around for that one!
Another half-chance for the home side as Rakitic slides a super pass into Suarez, but the striker's first touch takes him into a wide position and the Uruguay international fires over the crossbar!
It has been quite an untidy last five minutes or so, with the referee forced to stop the game following a number of incidents. Sociedad are also preparing to make their final change...
... SOCIEDAD SUB! Bruma replaces Vela for the away team.
Half-chance for Sociedad as Bruma finds space on the edge of the box before curling one towards the bottom corner, but his effort was always moving just wide of the post. Decent chance!
Sociedad are really pressing for a goal at the moment, led by Bruma, who has injected some pace and invention into the final third. Barcelona are just sitting deep and absorbing the pressure.
CROSSBAR! Barcelona come close to a fourth goal as Neymar slides a super pass into Messi, but the Argentine's curling effort hits the crossbar and bounces clear of the Sociedad box!
It appears that it will not happen for Messi in terms of goal this afternoon as Sociedad manage to scramble clear once again. The Basque side have done well to keep this down to 3-0 here.
GOAL! Barcelona 4-0 Sociedad (Messi)
Or maybe it will happen for Messi! The Argentine has his name on the scoresheet as Neymar combines with Suarez before delivering a low cross into Messi, who cannot miss!
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 4-0 Sociedad
So there we have it. Barcelona continue their incredible run of form with a 4-0 win over Sociedad. The hosts have moved seven points clear at the top of the table, while they are now nine clear of Real Madrid. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action once again. Until next time!
