Barcelona 2-1 Real Sociedad: 5 talking points as the Blaugrana secure comeback victory at Camp Nou | La Liga 2020-21

#3 Poor day at the office for Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann missed several good chances

Antoine Griezmann played a part in the equalizing goal as it was his deflected cross that was headed out for Jordi Alba to get Barcelona's first.

That, alongside a first-half shot that struck the bar, were as good as it got for the France international who had a host of chances to get on the scoresheet.

Playing against his former side, Antoine Griezmann sported a new braided hairstyle but this did not translate to good fortune in front of goal.

The 29-year-old somehow managed to shoot wide with the goal gaping after a cutback into the box, while he also blazed over after rounding Alex Remiro in the Sociedad goal.

He was subsequently hauled off by Ronald Koeman in the first substitution for the hosts and was replaced by Trincao in the 64th minute.

#2 Star performance from Jordi Alba

Jordi Alba had a hand in both goals for Barcelona

Jordi Alba has been one of the most consistent performers for Barcelona in the last decade and gave arguably his standout display of the season against Real Sociedad.

The Spain international opened the scoring with a spectacular worldie, finding the top corner with a one-time finish on his weaker right foot.

❝Good evening, #culers. Very happy for the win and now we go for the next three points. ❞ — @Pedri, after the 2-1 win over Real Sociedad pic.twitter.com/yrlFPW9vK3

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 16, 2020

He also had a hand in the second goal after a trademark run down the left flank ended with him delivering a routine square ball that was deflected into the path of Frenkie de Jong for an easy tap in.

The 31-year-old barely put a foot wrong throughout the game and won two tackles and interceptions each in addition to his attacking contributions.

Speaking after the game, the former Valencia man admitted that he prefers assisting to scoring but his goal here was one to savour in what was a man-of-the-match performance.

#1 No Messi, no problem for Barcelona

Lionel Messi was beneath his blistering best

Lionel Messi was once again the difference-maker for Barcelona last week, with his second-half strike giving the Blaugrana a 1-0 win over Levante.

However, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner was uncharacteristically beneath his best against Real Sociedad and failed to influence proceedings in the way that we are accustomed to.

Messi was on the peripheries for most of the game. While Barcelona would have struggled to get going without their talisman in the past, especially against one of the league's strongest sides, his teammates stepped up.

This would come as a source of joy for Barcelona fans, as it shows that others can step up to the plate when their captain is having an off-day.

Despite not scoring, Lionel Messi got into the record books as this victory marked his 300th victory in all competitions at Camp Nou.

The 👑 has conquered his 300th W at Camp Nou! pic.twitter.com/bvrgWO5tvU

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 16, 2020

He started in 269 of those games, scoring in an incredible 219. Despite not equaling Pele's record for most goals scored for a single club, Messi would be delighted with his side's victory.