Lewandowski brace inspires Barcelona to win over Real Sociedad

Robert Lewandowski's first two goals for Barcelona helped them to a 4-1 win in the Basque Country over a Real Sociedad side who gave a good account of themselves for most of the game.

The Polish striker got his birthday celebrations off to the best possible start with a goal inside the first minute, steering home Alejandro Balde's low cross after a positive run by the young left back.

Swedish striker Aleksandr Isak levelled the scoring just minutes later, however, with a dink over Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. An even half finished 1-1 at the break.

In the second period, Barcelona took their chances well, and although the eventual scoreline flattered them, each goal brough confidence and they finished with a spring in their step.

La Real had the ball in the back of the net in the 53rd minute, but it was correctly ruled out for offside. Within 15 minutes, they would go from believing they were ahead to seeing the game slip away from them.

Ousmane Dembele emphatically struck home the second Blaugrana goal after a clever backheel by Ansu Fati in the 66th minute. Two minutes later Lewandowski pounced clinically in the box to bury the second of his birthday brace.

At 3-1 to the visitors, it was game over at the Reale Arena, but Barcelona still had more to say. Lewandowski turned provider this time, working the ball to Ansu Fati in behind with a backheel and the youngster finished calmly from close range.

The game in Donostia ended 4-1 and the hosts will be left frustrated by a result which they will feel doesn't reflect how evenly matched the teams were.

For Barcelona, meanwhile, this win will feel like a statement and a very welcome confidence boost after the opening day draw against Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou. The performance may still need working on, but the four-goal feelgood factor will go a long way to soothing the concerns.