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Barcelona's win was made easier when Aritz Elustondo was handed his marching orders just 17 minutes into the contest after pulling back Dani Olmo when through on goal.

Gerard Martin and Marc Casado scored their first goals for the club in the first half, before Ronald Araujo and Robert Lewandowski sealed the win after the break.

Indeed, Barcelona has won 26 of their last 27 home games against Sociedad in LaLiga (L1), with 21 of those 22 home games in the competition coming in the 21st century, more than against any other opponent since then. 

Flick's side was worthy of its win, registering an expected goals (xG) total of 2.92 from their staggering 33 attempts shots at Alex Remiro's goal, but it remained resolute in its defending too. 

Barca was able to shut out its opponent, which failed to register a shot.

In fact, they are the team to go without a shot and have had the fewest touches in the opposite box in at least the last 15 years in a game in the competition (one).

"It's the style we want to play. Our first thought is always about the offence. We want to pass always. We are attacking well, everyone is hungry to score goals," Flick said. 

"It's good to have this. Today we were in the right positions. It helps us a lot because we have a lot of chances to pass through the last line.

"We are happy, but more happy about three points than scoring many goals."

Flick was also on hand to rubbish rumours about the fitness of Gavi, after the midfielder was left out of the line-up at the Camp Nou on Monday. 

"We thought about starting with Gavi today, but yesterday he felt a little bit ill," Flick confirmed. 

"He said yesterday he had a fever, and we had to take care of that. It was not necessary to bring him in, so we started another player."

With Barcelona three goals to the good, Flick used its advantage to make a triple substitution ahead of the Champions League clash with Benfica on Thursday.

Pau Cubarsi, Raphinha and Pedri were replaced just before the hour, with the Barcelona manager saying resting those players will help their chances next week. 

"There are a lot of things that helped us a lot today. The red card was one of those, but also how we played. We were very dominant after this red card and this is how we want to play," Flick said.

"Of course, the substitution was very important for us because they can rest a little bit more. This helps us a lot, but at the end, we will see.

"Benfica had one week to prepare for our match, so we have to be careful."