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BARCELONA. — New Barcelona captain, Gerard Pique, feels they complicated life for themselves, in their 4-2 win over Real Sociedad, on Sunday. 

It was their first match in the post-Lionel Messi era. “We made things complicated for ourselves but we played a great game,” said Pique. “We controlled it for 80 minutes and although we were on the edge after their free-kick, we got the fourth goal. 

“The new players adapted well and the fans were excited about the football we played.” 

A header from Pique gave the Catalans the lead, in the 19th minute, to the delight of 20 000 fans, who returned to the Camp Nou for the first time, in 17 months. Martin Braithwaite struck either side of half-time to extend their advantage. 

Sociedad looked to be out of the game but substitute Julen Lobete pulled them back into contention in the 82nd minute and forward Mikel Oyarzabal scored a stunning free-kick moments later to set Barcelona nerves jangling. 

Sergi Roberto struck in added time for the hosts, however, to make sure of the points in Barca’s first match without all-time top scorer Messi, who joined Paris St Germain last week after 21 years with the Spanish club. 

Barca fans chanted Messi’s name at kick-off while a section of supporters also booed in protest against president Joan Laporta, who had vowed to keep the Argentine at the club when he was elected in March. Just under 30 000 tickets were made available for the game at the 99 000-capacity Camp Nou due to coronavirus restrictions but only 20 000 fans registered interest in attending, perhaps a sign of a lack of excitement for the new season without Messi. — AFP.