Barca ride luck to sink Real Sociedad

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN: Barcelona rode their luck to come from behind and win 2-1 at Real Sociedad on Saturday, continuing to banish their awful record in San Sebastian and maintaining their perfect start to the La Liga season.

The champions fell behind following a thumping shot from Aritz Elustondo in the 12th minute from a set piece.

They also survived a mini onslaught from the home side in the second half before Luis Suarez levelled in the 63rd with a scrappy goal and Ousmane Dembele gave them a barely deserved lead three minutes later.

The fightback follows Barca’s 4-2 win at Real Sociedad in January. They recorded a second straight victory at Anoeta after an 11-year barren spell without a league win there.

Barca lead the standings with 12 points after four games although Real Madrid can join them at the league’s summit if they manage to win at Athletic Bilbao later on Saturday night.

ATLETICO SLUMP TO SHOCK DRAW AT HOME

MADRID: Atletico Madrid’s stumbling start in La Liga took a turn for the worse on Saturday as a late equaliser from Borja Garces was only enough to rescue a 1-1 draw at home to Eibar.

Eibar appeared to have snatched a shock victory when Sergi Enrich finished in the 87th minute, only for Borja to salvage Atletico a point with virtually the last kick of the game.

But there were no celebrations at the final whistle. Atletico were considered serious title challengers this season but another two points dropped means they have now taken only five from their first four games.