Film Focus: An in-Depth Look at Barcelona's 1-1 Draw at Anoeta

Wednesday's Copa del Rey second-leg meeting between Real Sociedad and Barcelona was full of action as the two sides played to a thrilling 1-1 draw. In the end, the Catalans managed to book their place in the final where they will face off with Real Madrid.

Lionel Messi opened up the scoring in the 27th minute with an absolutely unbelievable goal, but Barcelona was not able to seal the win. A like strike from Antoine Griezmann leveled the score which held until the final whistle.

The die has now been cast and Spain is set up for yet another El Clasico final as Barcelona and Real Madrid will do battle in the Mestalla in April.

Let's take a look at just how Wednesday's entertaining match at Anoeta played out in Bleacher Report's latest edition of Film Focus.

Real Sociedad Unlucky Early On

Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Barcelona were in complete control of possession from the opening whistle, but the Basque side had the better chances early on. Yet, La Real were not able to capitalize.

To begin with, Jose Pinto nearly gave up a great opportunity to the hosts when he held on to the ball a bit too long, but the Barcelona keeper was able to clear the ball away from danger.

Minutes later the Basques would have another great chance and should have taken the early lead. Xabi Prieto sent Haris Seferovic through on goal with only the keeper to beat, but the linesman's flag incorrectly came up immediately.

Antoine Griezmann would be a pain in the Catalan's side all night, but the young French star was not able to take advantage of his early chances.

Lionel Messi Scores a Stunner 

 While Real Sociedad were busy wasting promising chances, Lionel Messi scored a goal that no human being should be able to. 

The Argentine ran half the length of the pitch, cutting through five defenders, and blasted a shot off of the hands of the keeper into the back of the net. The goal not only gave Barcelona the 1-0 lead, but also the crucial away goal that basically sealed the tie.

Commentators and fans alike lost it when Messi's shot rolled into the goal, and understandably so. It was yet another one of those Leo goals that just leave you speechless wondering how one player can possess so much quality.

Barcelona Dominate Possession

As is the custom, Barcelona proceeded to take control of the ball and enjoy the bulk of possession. La Real's inability to win back possession meant they were not able to create chances and the game looked done and dusted.

The presence of Sergio Busquets provided a major cog in the Blaugrana midfield. The lanky Catalan often dropped back in between the two center-backs to provide coverage while he also linked up beautifully with his fellow midfielders.

The trio of Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and Xavi made things even more difficult for the La Real defense.

David Ramos/Getty Images

Xavi completed 94 percent of his passes making 135 touches. Fabregas and Iniesta played more direct football looking to create chances and force their hosts further into their own box as evidenced by their combined seven dribbles won.

In truth, Fabregas and Iniesta kept the ball at their feet and frustrated Real Sociedad to no end. The Basque midfield did not have an answer for Barcelona and it showed.

Antoine Griezmann Responds to Barcelona's Missed Chances

As the second half carried on, a steady trend began to show from Barcelona. The Catalans created chance after chance and should have scored several more goals.

However, La Blaugrana were not able to double their lead as crosses went awry and Enaut Zubikarai stood tall making seven massive saves.

With Barcelona unable to kill off the game with another goal, Real Sociedad star Antoine Griezmann would bring the fans at Anoeta to their feet.

In the 87th minute Sergio Canales played a wonderful ball over the top of the Barcelona defense. Chori Castro then whipped a low cross into the box which found the streaking Griezmann who blasted his effort past Jose Pinto.

Soon the final whistle would blow with the score level at 1-1. Barcelona advanced to the final on top of a 3-1 aggregate scoreline, but the Basque fans were more than happy to cheer on their team after a hard fought draw.

El Clasico awaits.

* All statistics are courtesy of WhoScored.com