PETE JENSON IN SPAIN: There will be plenty of days this season when Barcelona misses Lionel Messi (right) but Sunday’s victory against Real Sociedad was not one of them and it was little wonder the attempt at a double homage didn’t go very well.
Barcelona is not better without Messi. But there are things that they can do better without him and Ronald Koeman (inset) saw plenty of evidence of that in this 4-2 win.
Memphis Depay had as good a debut as the Nou Camp can remember anyone having for many a season, while Martin Braithwaite (left) scored twice.