Barcelona 4-2 Real Sociedad: Pique steps up again as Blaugrana win first game without Messi

Memphis Depay went some way to repaying Gerard Pique as Barcelona started life without Lionel Messi by beating Real Sociedad 4-2 in their first game of the LaLiga season.

Depay, Eric Garcia and Rey Manaj could only be registered by Barca on the eve of Sunday's game at Camp Nou because Pique took a substantial pay cut, ensuring the cash-strapped Catalan club met LaLiga's salary cap limit.

Impressive debutant Depay set up Pique for the opening goal after chants of 'Messi' reverberated around the stadium in the 10th minute of the Blaugrana's first game since his sensational move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Martin Braithwaite was on target at the end of the first half and added a second after the break before late goals from Julen Lobete and Mikel Oyarzabal set up an unlikely tense finale.

Sergi Roberto eased the nerves with a fourth Barca goal in injury time as they started the campaign with a richly deserved victory.

Antoine Griezmann headed against the crossbar as La Real struggled to contend with Barca's crisp passing and movement in a blistering start from Ronald Koeman's side, but Pique opened the scoring after 19 minutes.

Depay had been lively from the start and the Netherlands forward whipped in a pinpoint free-kick for the unmarked centre-back, who headed in from eight yards out.

Brave goalkeeping from Alex Remiro denied Depay a debut goal soon but Braithwaite doubled vibrant Barca's lead in first-half stoppage time, planting a powerful header into the net after Frenkie de Jong stood up an inviting cross.

Jorda Alba failed to hit the target with only Remiro to beat after he was sent clear early in the second half, but he made amends just before the hour mark.

Depay slipped the marauding full-back in with a clever pass and Remiro could only palm his cross into the path of Braithwaite, who fired home from six yards out.

Barca were relentless and Pedri forced a fine reflex save from the busy Remiro before Lobete pulled a goal back with a measured left-foot finish.eight minutes from time and Oyarzabal curled home a sublime free-kick.

Sergi Roberto sealed the points, though, tucking home the excellent Braithwaite's cross from the right.

What does it mean? Entertaining Barca lift the gloom

This was just the lift Barca fans needed on their return to Camp Nou for the first time in 526 days.

With the legendary Messi having moved on and constant talk of the club being in crisis, Koeman's men put on a show in their opening game of the campaign and were in total command before conceding two goals in the space of three minutes late on.

Barca's victory maintained their record of having lost just once at home on the opening day of the LaLiga season – against Espanyol way back in 1939.

Pique the man of the moment, Braithwaite shows his worth

Pique said Barca were left "a bit broken" by Messi's exit but the Spain defender is doing his best to fix their problems.

After agreeing reduced terms this week, he made a substantial contribution again, opening the scoring and he had looked solid alongside Garcia until Barca were caught out late on.

Braithwaite was a constant menace to the La Real defence along with Depay, who looked very much at home on his debut.

Misery for Munoz

The La Real defence endured a torrid evening and Aihen Munoz struggled at left-back.

Barcelona's front three caused all sorts of problems and Munoz was exposed. He also lost possession 23 times as Imanol Alguacil's side chased shadows for much of the game.

What's next?

Barca's first away game of the LaLiga campaign will be at Athletic Bilbao next Sunday, while La Real host Rayo Vallecano on the same day.