Real Sociedad 0-1 Barcelona: Anoeta Curse Broken

FC Barcelona have done half the job after they beat Real Sociedad 1-0 in the first leg of their 2016/2017 Copa del Rey quarter final tie away from home to pick up their first win at the Anoeta stadium in almost ten years and put themselves one foot into the semi finals as they continue their quest to winning a third consecutive title.

The Catalan giants have not picked up a win at the San Sebastian stadium since may 2007 but it was time to break the jinx as a first half penalty from Neymar was enough for Luis Enrique’s men topick up their third successive win in all competitions.

Barcelona did not quite put up a good performance but got the job done. Although they controlled proceedings early on, leading the stats for ball possession and attempts on goal. Neymar made the first strike of the game for Barcelona which was not good enough to beat Real Sociedad goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, that was after Oyarzabal had capitalised on a poor Umtiti pass but shot wide.

Neymar then won a penalty after being fouled by Elustondo in the box. The Brazilian stood up to take the kick and sent Rulli the wrong way to give Barça the lead after 19 minutes.

Iniesta had a discomfort and was subbed off for Gomes at half time. Barça overall did not have a good second half although Neymar and Messi came close to doubling the lead.

La Real continied to fight for the equaliser but couldn’t test Cillessen who did not have to make a save all game. It was Barça’s first away win vs Real Sociedad in 9 games and they take a 1-0 advantage into the second leg at Camp Nou next Thursday.