Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona: Score, Grades, Reaction from Liga Game

Barcelona failed to capitalise on Real Madrid’s slip-up at Valencia, as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at David Moyes’ Real Sociedad.

A win at the Anoeta would have taken Barca to the top of La Liga, but an own goal from Jordi Alba handed Sociedad the win.

Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press

It was a disappointing defeat for Barca and will heap pressure on coach Luis Enrique in light of his surprising team selection.

Barca boss Luis Enrique took the controversial decision to bench star names Lionel Messi and Neymar for the trip to the Basque Country.

The cutaways from the TV producers the way of the Barca coach spoke volumes after Sociedad had taken a second-minute lead.

A cross into the box unsettled the Barca defence, and in attempting to clear, Alba could only turn the ball into his own net.

Barca had plenty of possession after falling behind, but they crafted little in the opening half an hour—with Xavi’s off-target free-kick the only chance of note.

David Ramos/Getty Images

With Messi and Neymar on the bench, the attacking focus was on Luis Suarez to deliver. He crafted a chance for Pedro after snatching possession 40 yards from goal, but his attacking cohort blazed his effort over the bar.

Barca pleaded for a penalty on 32 minutes as a ball struck Inigo Martinez flush on the arm, but their appeals fell on deaf ears.

David Ramos/Getty Images

Minutes later, the failed penalty appeal count was levelled as Alba appeared to wrestle Xabi Prieto to the floor in the box—but again the pleas were waved away.

Sociedad more than matched Barca for attacking endeavor in the first half, and the visitors were grateful to Claudio Bravo for beating away a shot from Sergio Canales, who had twisted away from Martin Montoya with a quite brilliant dummy.

It came as no surprise that Enrique turned to Messi, with the superstar brought on in place of the ineffective Munir El Haddadi at the break.

Barca enjoyed swathes of possession after the interval, but it was slow possession as they probed for openings without stretching the Sociedad defence.

"

Pedro off now for Neymar. Pattern of game unchanged with Messi on so far.

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) January 4, 2015"

With no sign of a breakthrough, Enrique threw on his other big gun—Neymar—just shy of the hour mark.

Barca immediately looked more dynamic with Neymar on the pitch, and only a brilliant tackle from Inigo Martinez denied Messi after a fabulous passing move.

Sociedad's defending became ever more desperate as the match progressed, but Moyes' dogged players were able to hold on for a famous victory.

David Ramos/Getty Images

San Sebastian is famed for its Michelin-starred restaurants, and it's highly likely Moyes will not have to take his wallet into any of them in the near future.

"

Terrific result for Moyes beating Barca - always has seemed happier scrapping as an underdog

— Matt Dickinson (@DickinsonTimes) January 4, 2015"

Barca can take their eye off La Liga for the next few days, which may not be a bad thing, as they are in Copa del Rey action next.

Enrique’s side faces Elche on Thursday at the Camp Nou, and the game could prove to be an ideal warm-up for the weekend clash with Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

Notable Player Grades

Munir El Haddadi: D

The youngster was handed his chance. But he failed to justify his manager's faith with a poor display, and he was hooked at the break.

Luis Suarez: C

David Ramos/Getty Images

The Uruguayan cannot be accused of a lack of effort, as he was all over the pitch in a bid to spark his side. But he has been brought in to score goals, and he did not carry any real threat in the opposition penalty area.

Sergio Canales: B+

Although Sociedad were without the ball for long spells, Canales carried a threat and showed why they snapped him up from Valencia. 

Reaction to follow...

"

Moyes: "We were fantastic against such good team, did brilliantly well. It was a great result for us, a really strong defensive performance"

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) January 4, 2015"

"

Moyes: "I expected Messi & Neymar on bench. I know at big clubs you need to manage players' time. I'd have done same as Luis Enrique."

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) January 4, 2015"