Real Sociedad 1-0 Barcelona: Mikel Oyarzabal heads early winner By Simeon Gholam
Last Updated: 09/04/16 9:30pm
Barcelona were stunned by Real Sociedad as 18-year-old Mikel Oyarzabal headed the only goal in a 1-0 victory to blow the La Liga title race wide open. Luis Enrique's side now lead Atletico Madrid by just three points after their win earlier in the day, with Real Madrid just a point further back. Barcelona hadn't won on their previous six trips to the Anoeta Stadium, losing five of those and last securing victory there under Frank Rijkaard in 2007. And they struggled to break down Sociedad for long periods on Saturday night, as the home side held on for a well-earned three points.
It took less than five minutes for Sociedad to take the lead, and it came from teenager Oyarzabal as he rose highest in the area to loop a superb header over Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo and into the top corner.
Barcelona, who were without their leading scorer Luis Suarez through suspension, lacked a focal point in attack throughout most of the first half and created their only real opportunity after 33 minutes, when Messi and Neymar combined to tee up Arda Turan before his deflected strike was saved by Geronimo Rulli.
The home side were defending brilliantly and nearly doubled their lead on the counter attack as half-time approached, but Dani Alves did well to scramble back and block Alberto de la Bella's effort from inside the box.
Andres Iniesta was introduced at half-time, and he immediately increased the urgency in Barcelona's play, forcing another fine save out of Rulli after 55 minutes with a fierce drive from 25 yards.
It had been a quiet night for Messi, but he forced Rulli into another fine save with 15 minutes to go, the Real Sociedad goalkeeper getting down low to his left to keep out the Argentine's toe poke from close range.
Rulli was then called into action again late on to deny Messi and Iniesta, as Sociedad held on for victory.
Barcelona, who have now failed to win their last three games in La Liga, will turn their attention to defending their 2-1 lead in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final away at Atletico on Wednesday night.
http://www.skysports.com/football/sociedad-vs-barcelona/report/347883
