LaLiga champions FC Barcelona left it late to snatch a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday evening.
Barca coach Xavi Hernandez made two changes following the El Clasico defeat, as Jules Kounde replaced Andreas Christensen whereas Ferran Torres made way for Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.
Sociedad made an electrifying start in the opening minute as a snap shot at the near post from Ander Barrenetxea draw Marc-Andre Ter Stegen to a save.
The chances kept coming for the home team five minutes from the start when a glancing header from Mikel Merino sailed past the bottom-corner.
Japanese international Takefusa Kubo went close to breaking the deadlock later on after he met a low ball at the far post to get in a first-time shot, but he was denied by the outstretched leg of Ter Stegen.
The drama wasn't over for Ter Stegen following the half-hour mark when he parried a loose shot by Igor Zubeldia behind for a corner after a goal-mouth scramble.
Barcelona began to breathe from the host numerous forays and a short run-up to the edge of the area by Joao Cancelo had the full-back drag over the top following a drop of the shoulder.
The host continued to have the lion share of chances early in the second half as Brais Mendez' curling shot outside the area worked Ter Stegen to a save after a nice build-up from midfield.
Youngster Fermin Lopez was substituted by the Catalans 12 minutes after halftime and saw Torres come on while Lewandowski made way for Pedri.
Barrenetxea went close with a first-time volley from the near post in the last 20 minutes and saw Ter Stegen palm for a corner, as the host continued to rank up the chances.
The Blaugrana, though, snatched the points at the death when Ronaldo Araujo attacked a penetrative ball from Ilkay Gundogan and headed in, with the effort awarded on review by the Video Assistant Review (VAR) team after the assistant referee called an offside.
Barcelona ended up with the three points to get back to winning ways and left Sociedad shattered as well as broken.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments