Barcelona v Real Sociedad LIVE: Build-up, live updates and reaction from LaLiga opener

Barcelona v Real Sociedad LIVE: Ronald Koeman’s crestfallen Catalans begin new era without Lionel Messi as new boys Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia make their debuts against weakened visitors

A depleted and wounded Barcelona begin their LaLiga campaign tonight without the crutch of Lionel Messi’s brilliance for the first time since 2003, facing Real Sociedad.

The Basque side finished 17 points behind the Catalans last season but will have eyes on closing that gap with the departure of the greatest player of all time – who terrorised them in Barca colours for more than a decade. 

Follow Sportsmail’s Toby Miles for all the build-up and live updates as Imanol Alguacil and Ronald Koeman’s teams get going for 2020-21. 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk