Two goals in three minutes from Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele kept Barcelona’s 100 per cent start to the season intact but it was Marc-Andre ter Stegen who takes the credit for keeping Real Sociedad at bay at Anoeta.
Aritz Elustondo hammered La Real ahead against the champions after 12 minutes and Barcelona failed to find their rhythm in a dismal first half showing.
However Ernesto Valverde took off Nelson Semedo and Rafinha for Philippe Coutinho and Sergio Busquets, restoring the Gala XI and it paid near instant dividends.
Suarez stabbed home from close range to put Barcelona level in the 63rd minute, before Dembele’s doubly deflected effort sent the Catalans ahead.
The champions somehow survived a string of Real Sociedad counter attacks, with Ter Stegen making some splendid saves, to hold onto the three points.
Theo Hernandez and Juanmi saw the German deny them while Mikel Oyarzabal hammered over as three one-on-ones went begging.
Barcelona go top with their fourth win from four. Over to you, Real Madrid.