Advertisement
Alvaro Barrientos/AP/Press Association Images

David Moyes masterminds an unlikely Real Sociedad win over Barcelona

Jordi Alba’s second-minute own goal proved the difference between the sides.

BARCELONA MANAGER LUIS ENRIQUE’S decision to rest a collection of his star names backfired as the Catalans were beaten by David Moyes’ Real Sociedad.

Real Madrid’s 2-1 loss at Valencia earlier in the day meant victory for Barca would have seen them climb to the top of La Liga, but they passed up that chance as their recent poor record at Anoeta Stadium continued.

The men from Camp Nou have now drawn two and lost four of their last six games at the home of Sociedad in all competitions.

Defeat also ended their 11-match unbeaten run, with their last reverse having come against Celta Vigo back in early November.

Luis Enrique left Lionel Messi and Neymar on the bench for the start of this match, after both men had been given an extra two days’ break over the Christmas period and returned to the club later than the rest of the squad.

Unsurprisingly, both were introduced in a bid to conjure up an equaliser – Messi at half-time and Neymar shortly before the hour – but neither man was able to have the desired impact as David Moyes’ struggling Sociedad lifted themselves three places to 13th, five points clear of the drop zone.

Victory completed an impressive home league treble for Sociedad, who have now beaten Real, Atletico Madrid and Barca at Anoeta this season.

Spain Soccer La Liga AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Barca got off to a torrid start when they fell behind in the opening exchanges.

A corner was taken short to Sergio Canales, who whipped in a left-footed cross that Alba could only head into his own net with Claudio Bravo – returning to his former club for the first time - beaten.

The Barcelona bench for tonight’s game with Real Sociedad is pretty spectacular

Real Madrid’s 22-game unbeaten run comes crashing to a halt against Valencia

Close
21 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Mannion
    Favourite Kevin Mannion
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 1:20 AM

    Celtic v Rangers Feb 1st.

    62
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cionnadh
    Favourite Cionnadh
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 5:58 AM

    Paint drying would be better craic..

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Luke's stalker
    Favourite Luke's stalker
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 8:18 AM

    The women’s world cup would be worth it only to see the comedy show Of bad goalkeeping. The first women’s teams to get a half decent keeper would win everything

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nicholas Ring
    Favourite Nicholas Ring
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 8:52 AM

    Let me guess, you’re a man right??

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute seancreaven13
    Favourite seancreaven13
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 3:57 AM

    Irish Open Golf 31 May…

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan Quinn
    Favourite Alan Quinn
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 3:43 AM

    Aus open 2015, Melbourne

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute William Bowden
    Favourite William Bowden
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 2:37 PM

    Tour de France, Sat 25 July. L’Alpe d’Huez. Roche, Martin and Bennett! Over a million people on the mountain and it’s free. Some craic.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peadar
    Favourite Peadar
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 8:06 AM

    The masters in April to see Rory complete career slam

    7
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.