Barcelona comeback from a goal behind; Real and Atletico held to draws

Barcelona fought back from a goal behind to defeat Real Sociedad 2-1 and move two points clear at the top of La Liga, even as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid played out entertaining draws on Saturday.

League champions Barcelona were off to a shocking start when Aritz Elustondo scored from a set-piece as early as the 12th minute to put Sociedad ahead at home. But Barca bounced back in style scoring through Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele to see-off what certainly will be an important away victory for a side expected to play six matches inside 20 days.

With the schedule jammed, Ernesto Valverde decided to rest both Philippe Coutinho and Sergio Busquets in one of the league’s toughest away fixtures. The move, however, seemed to have backfired when Elustondo scored from a corner. The midfield trio of Rafinha, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Roberto found it difficult to hold off the attack-minded Sociedad players, who surged forward at every possible opportunity.

It looked like the home team were destined to score more goals. But Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen kept his side in the game, with a flurry of saves early in the second half. Valverde brought on both Coutinho and Busquets and it helped the visitors settle into the game.

But Sociedad continued to attack and it was one such attack that ultimately led to their downfall. Ter Stegen made a brilliant save to deny Juanmi and from the resultant ball Barca set off on a counter-attack before a foul on Messi earned them a free-kick.

Messi’s cross was fended off by the home defence but a confusion over making the clearance saw Suarez find the net to level the scores in the 63^rd minute. Three minutes later Dembele gave Catalans the lead from another set-piece.

Goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli came off his line to clear a corner but failed to leave Frenchmen Dembele for a simple tap-in and complete a wonderful comeback win for the Blaugrana. It meant Barcelona remained the only team in the Spanish top flight with a 100% record and they lead the standings with 12 points, two clear of Real.

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Real and Atletico Madrid draw

Meanwhile, Real Madrid was held to a 1-1 draw by Athletic Bilbao, who took the lead through Iker Muniain in the 32^nd minute before Isco rescued the visitors with a 63rd-minute equaliser.

Muniain’s goal came from a counter-attack after Real had dedicated too many players on the attack leaving their fragile defence empty and inviting a quick counter.

The 2016-17 champions were twice denied by Athletic’s 21-year-old goalkeeper Unai Simon in the first half but although they finally managed to beat the impressive youngster when Isco nodded home from a Gareth Bale cross in the 63rd minute, the custodian came up with another couple of outstanding saves to deny Real a victory.

Bilbao was also allegedly denied a penalty after the ball had hit substitute Casemiro’s hands when the midfielder had tumbled inside his own penalty box. The decision to award a foul to Los Blancos instead riffled the home players and supporters leading to eight yellow cards, six of which were for Athletic players.

“This is a very difficult ground to come to, for the team they have and for how they play. They come looking for you, they press you man-for-man and make life hard for you and if you don’t find ways deal with that it’s tough,” said Real coach Julen Lopetegui.

Atletico Madrid was held to a surprise 1-1 draw at home by Eibar with two late goals adding flavour to the contest.

Sergi Enrich gave Eibar the lead in the 87^th minute, but Borja Garces ensured the home side walked off with at least a point scoring in the final passage of play.

It has not been a usual start for Atletico, who have just one win, two draws and a loss from the opening four matches.

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