Barcelona talking points as treble dream, and Ousmane Dembele, tick over versus Real Sociedad

Here are the talking points:

GETTING THE JOB DONE… ASAP

Expectation that head coach Ernesto Valverde might ring the changes for a second-successive week in the top flight dissipated an hour before kick-off.

Anchor man Sergio Busquets was the only member of the undisputed XI to watch from the substitutes’ bench, as Lionel Messi & Co. were entrusted with continuing the assault on the treble. There was also a start – among three switches – for recovering France winger Ousmane Dembele, who played only nine minutes in both Champions League quarter-final legs versus outclassed Manchester United because of a hamstring issue.

At the deep end of the campaign, when so many of his squad will be entering the ‘red zone in regards to injury risk and fatigue, this show of respect to a mid-table opponent who’d lost upon their preceding six trips to Camp Nou deserved inspection.

It certainly wasn’t without risk. The knock and enforced 55^th-minute removal of growing Brazil centre midfielder Arthur represents a worry for the treble, treble, chasers.

Last weekend’s goalless draw at bottom-placed Huesca and this month’s troubling 4-4 stalemate at Villarreal showcased the danger of wholescale alterations.

Atleti’s late winner at Eibar also made the gap six points – with a game in hand – at kick-off. Uncomfortable, if a fresh slip-up occurred.

Even so, low-octane Barca did not burst out of the traps. Merino and Igor Zubeldia’s adroit smothering job in midfield helped cause Messi – who required a hat-trick to reach 600 club strikes – to go without a goal or assist in La Liga for the first time since March 2’s 1-0 triumph against Real Madrid.

By 55 minutes, Sociedad had six attempts on goal to their hosts’ five. They finished the contest, furthermore, with 51-per-cent possession to their exalted rivals’ 49 per cent.

Their delightfully crafted leveller that followed just past the hour mark was hardly unexpected.

Trusted hands then ensured, just, enough was done to win. Maximum reward from Barca, for minimal effort.

It also kept alive the prospect of wrapping La Liga up by Gameweek 35 on April 27, meaning indispensable ‘R & R’ can be enjoyed before the Champions League semi-final second leg at Liverpool on May 7 – and beyond.

DEMBELE ADDS DEPTH

If the Catalans are to make it an unprecedented trio of trebles in 2018/19, Dembele will be key.

His fearsome speed, on and off the ball, adds welcome depth to an ageing side that can look, by their unfathomable standards, a tad sluggish.

The €147 million winger moved onto six assists for the season in La Liga and Champions League with a lofted, in-swinging corner that found the forehead of compatriot Lenglet. This equalled his tally in those competitions from 2017/18’s heavily scrutinised debut campaign.

A curled effort on 58 minutes also dropped narrowly wide of Sociedad goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli’s far post, while his selfless decoy run – cleared by the video-assistant referee – facilitated Alba’s clincher.

Standing ovations were a rare sight for Dembele a year ago. How times – and his station – have changed.

PIQUE PUNISHMENT

A standout feature of 2018/19 for Barca has been Gerard Pique’s return to pre-eminence.

The 32-year-old underlined his status as a true great in both ties against United. His former employers regularly went vertical, producing an aerial battle that the centre-back relished.

Saturday evening, however, showed a glimpse of why a change of the guard is, reportedly, being procured with Ajax’s coveted teenage sensation Matthijs de Ligt.

La Real forward Juanmi’s movement and pace got him away from Pique, looking temporarily cumbersome, to make it 1-1.

Frustration was etched across the imperious defender’s face after the concession. He knew it used to take something genuinely remarkable to catch him out, even in the recent past.

This is not to denigrate an icon of the game. Just merely a contemporaneous example of why Barca’s succession plan has been kicked into gear.