Barcelona still far from its best despite perfect start

Despite another win and a perfect record to start the Spanish league, there is reason for concern ahead of Barcelona's Champions League debut this week.

The defending league champions had another lackluster performance in its 2-1 come-from-behind win at Real Sociedad on Saturday, creating a bit of worry ahead of its match against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday.

Succeeding in the Champions League is one of Barcelona's main goals this season after struggling in the European competition in recent years, failing to make it past the quarterfinals in three straight seasons.

FC Barcelona Lionel Messi looks down after Real Sociedad scored a goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona at the Anoeta stadium, in San Sebastian, northern Spain, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. (AP PhotoJose Ignacio Unanue)

"I'm a little bit worried, just a little bit," Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said after Saturday's victory, which kept the team at the top of the Spanish league standings with 12 points from four matches. "It's obvious that there are things that can be improved."

Barcelona had a difficult time controlling the game and gave away numerous chances throughout the match at Anoeta Stadium. Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele scored goals three minutes apart in the second half to save the team after it conceded early. An outstanding game by goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen also helped the team secure the victory. He made two great saves in one-on-one situations while Barcelona still trailed early in the second half.

It wasn't the first time Barcelona struggled this season. The team has been inconsistent despite its good results, and even Lionel Messi has played below expectations in some matches.

FC Barcelona's head coach Ernesto Valverde looks on prior to the start of the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona at the Anoeta stadium, in San Sebastian, northern Spain, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. (AP PhotoJose Ignacio Unanue)

Barcelona also faced difficulties in a 1-0 win at Valladolid, the small promoted club which has yet to win or score a goal in four matches. Barcelona's home wins were more comfortable — 3-0 against Alaves and 8-2 against Huesca, a newcomer to the first division this season.

Barcelona is in Group B in the Champions League, along with PSV, Inter Milan and Tottenham.

SCORING HELP

FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi, second left, controls the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona at the Anoeta stadium, in San Sebastian, northern Spain, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. (AP PhotoJose Ignacio Unanue)

Atletico Madrid endured another disappointing result on Saturday, drawing with Eibar 1-1 at home to remain far from the leaders at the top of the standings.

But fans celebrated the successful debut of teenager Borja Garces, who scored the stoppage-time equalizer and could become a solution to the team's scoring struggles early in the season.

Atletico has scored only three goals in four league matches, with Diego Costa yet to find the net.

"We have to take it slowly with him," Simeone said of Borja. "But he is that type of player who has goals in him."

Atletico, which was coming off a loss at Celta Vigo, has only five points in what has been its worst league start since 2009.

VINICIUS PLEA

Vinicius Junior continues to make his case for a chance with Real Madrid's main squad.

A day after Madrid struggled in a 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish league, the Brazilian teenager played well again with the "B'' team, scoring his third goal of the season in the lower tier.

He also nearly scored what would have been a beautiful goal after a remarkable run in which he cleared three defenders before having his shot hit the crossbar. It was a play that reminded some of Robinho, the former Brazil forward to whom Vinicius is often compared.

Madrid spent about 45 million euros ($52 million) for the promising teenager last year even though he had played mostly with the youth squads of Brazilian club Flamengo. Madrid is taking it slowly with Vinicius, but fans have already been calling for his presence in the main team.

Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui was reportedly watching Vinicius' match on Sunday, so the player's chances of moving up to the main team have certainly increased.

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NEW YORK (AP) — Zuby Ejiofor scored 23 points, Joson Sanon added 15 off the bench — all after halftime — and No. 18 St. John's rallied from 12 down in the second half to beat skidding Georgetown 72-69 on Tuesday night.

With a gritty comeback on Senior Night at Madison Square Garden, the Red Storm (24-6, 17-2 Big East) tied No. 4 UConn atop the conference standings with one regular-season game remaining. A victory Friday night at Hudson River rival Seton Hall would give the Johnnies at least a share of their second consecutive Big East regular-season championship following a 32-year drought.

The only time they’ve won back-to-back league crowns was 1985 and ’86.

Dylan Darling had 12 points for St. John's, which has won 15 of 16 overall and 11 straight meetings with Georgetown — the longest streak for either school in a series that dates to 1909.

Kayvaun Mulready scored a career-high 20 points off the bench for the streaky Hoyas (13-17, 5-14), last in the Big East. They've lost a season-worst seven in a row following a four-game winning streak.

Jeremiah Williams shook off an injury to his lower right leg and added 17 points. Malik Mack had 15.

After honoring Ejiofor and four other seniors in a pregame ceremony, the Red Storm came out flat. They trailed 48-36 with 13:30 remaining before finally starting to find their rhythm when Ian Jackson converted a three-point play.

Darling’s steal and fast-break layup put St. John’s ahead 59-57 with 6:43 left, its first lead since 15-14 with 12:16 to go in the first half.

A jumper by Sanon capped an 8-0 run, but Georgetown wouldn’t go away even after falling behind by five with 1:30 to play.

Williams could have tied it by finishing a three-point play with 16.6 seconds left, but he missed the free throw. Bryce Hopkins grabbed the rebound and sank two foul shots to make it 72-69, and Caleb Williams missed a 3-pointer for the Hoyas just before the buzzer.

Georgetown coach Ed Cooley faces his former team again when the Hoyas host Providence in their regular-season finale Saturday night.

St. John’s stormed back from 15 down in the second half to defeat Seton Hall 65-60 at MSG on Jan. 20.

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St. John's Red Storm's Ian Jackson (11) looks to pass during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against the Georgetown Hoyas Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

St. John's Red Storm's Dillon Mitchell (1) dunks the ball in front of Georgetown Hoyas' Kayvaun Mulready (45) and Vincent Iwuchukwu (3) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Georgetown Hoyas' Isaiah Abraham (7) drives past St. John's Red Storm's Zuby Ejiofor (24) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

St. John's Red Storm's Dylan Darling (0) drives past Georgetown Hoyas' Malik Mack (2) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

St. John's Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino calls out to his team during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against the Georgetown Hoyas Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)