Barca fall six points behind Real Madrid after draw at Real Sociedad

Tuesday, 29 November 2016 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Barcelona’s poor run away to Real Sociedad continued when the champions were held to a 1-1 draw at Anoeta on Sunday and slipped six points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid before next week’s ‘Clasico’ against their arch rivals.

Former Real Madrid academy player Willian Jose headed Real Sociedad ahead in the 53rd minute after a torrid first-half performance by Barca but Lionel Messi levelled in the 59th following a magnificent display of skill by Neymar.

Barca enjoyed some luck when Sociedad’s Juanmi headed home after Carlos Vela had curled a shot off the underside of the bar and saw the goal wrongly ruled offside, while Mexican forward Vela hit the woodwork again late on.

Barca have not won away to Real Sociedad since 2007 although this was the first time in five league games at Anoeta that they had avoided defeat.

Luis Enrique’s side are second in the standings on 27 points, six behind Real Madrid and level on points with Sevilla in third. Atletico Madrid are fourth on 24 after winning 3-0 at Osasuna, while Real Sociedad are fifth on 23.

Villarreal slipped to sixth after a surprise 2-0 defeat at home to Alaves.