Real: Rulli; Aritz Elustondo (Zaldúa 76‘), Mikel González, Diego Reyes, De la Bella; Granero, Illarramendi, Zurutuza (Rubén Pardo 80‘); Xabi Prieto, Carlos Vela, Oyarzabal (Héctor 88‘). 4-3-3.
Barcelona: Bravo; Dani Alves, Piqué, Mascherano, Sergi Roberto (Rakitic 70‘); Arda Turan (Jordi Alba 59’), Busquets, Rafinha (Iniesta 46’); Messi, Munir, Neymar. 4-3-3.
Goals:
1-0. 05. Oyarzabal. Steered long header wide of Bravo from Xabi Prieto cross.
Yellow cards: Illarramendi 24’, Arda Turan 42’, Mascherano 67’, Piqué 92’.
Leaders Barcelona were beaten 1-0 by Real Sociedad at their bogey ground, the Anoeta stadium, where the Catalans’ last victory dates back to 2007. With only five minutes gone Oyarzabal steered a long header past ex Real keeper Claudio Bravo from Xabi Prieto’s cross, and soon afterwards Vela hit the post, albeit that the referee had already blown for offside. For the rest of the match though Eusebio ordered his team back to defend, and a tired Barça, missing the suspended Luis Suárez, found the wet conditions hard going. Munir and Arda Turan did bring good saves out of Rulli before the break, but Luis Enrique eventually had to call on players he had been resting for the upcoming Champions League match, Iniesta, Rakitic and Jordi Alba all coming on. Rulli though was at his best, tipping a long shot from Iniesta round the post, and keeping out Neymar and Messi, and in the end the visitors went away empty handed, having only picked up one point from their last three matches. Atlético and Real Madrid are closing in!