Barcelona halted by Real Sociedad

1-0 to Sociedad, who were at home to second placed Barcelona in matchday 17 of this season’s La Liga BBVA. It sees David Moyes’ side move up to thirteenth in the table.

Sociedad went ahead after just three minutes, through an own goal by Barca defender Jordi Alba, who headed past his own keeper after a cross from Sergio Canales. Barcelona played their normal possession game regardless, with the home side looking to nick a second on the counter, Canales, Chory Castro and Carlos Vela being their main outlets. Though Sociedad failed to carve out any clear chances for themselves, they also limited Barcelona to very few shots on goal.

Both Lionel Messi and Neymar, recently away on international duty, had begun the game as subs, but both came on in the second half and added extra sparkle to the Barca attack. Soon enough it was all Barcelona, with Sociedad keeper Rulli pulling off save after save. Sociedad dropped deeper and deeper, with Canales and Xabi Prieto providing the occasional breakaway attempt. And it remained 1-0 til the end: a fourth win of the season for Sociedad.