La Liga: Neymar goal set up Barcelona win versus Real Sociedad

Lionel Messi and Neymar: the one two punch of Barcelona attack

Barcelona's most prized acquisition Neymar Jr. (Neymar da Silva Santos Jr.) scored the opening and the set the tempo for a winning performance in the Champions League group stage against a dangerous Real Sociedad side. Alexi Sanchez went to the right flank and set up Neymar with his cross that passed between Alberto Dela Bella's leg. Sociedad goal keeper Claudio Bravo tried to reach the ball but Neymar caught up with it and brought it inside the goal. 

Three minutes later, it was Neymar who set up Lionel Messi for the second goal. Neymar ran across the field and into the right flank marked by Markel Bergara and Dani Estrada. Neymar lobbed a high arching cross to the center. Claudio Bravo got distracted by Alexi Sanchez who is poised to get the header only to find the ball went past and into an unmarked Lionel Messi who scored the goal with a diving header. Inspired by the two early goals, Barcelona got several excellent opportunities but was either foiled by missed shots or Sociedad's resilient defense. 

Barcelona's persistence was however rewarded in the 27th minute. Dani Alves found Lionel Messi who backheeled a potential goal but only to be deflected by Claudio Bravo. The rebound landed on Messi who fired his second close range attempt only to hit the the crossbar. Dani Estrada cleared the ball to Antonie Greizmann who committed an error in passing the ball to Sergio Busquets. Busquets then rifled the ball to the goal which was not stopped by an unprepared Claudio Bravo. Barcelona is up by three even before the end of the half. 

Real Sociedad however wont give up and finally made a breakthrough. Javi Ros pass bounced on Greizmann and landed on Imanol Agirretxe. Agirretxe then let out a straight cross to set up a smooth tap in by Alberto dela Bella. Barcelona a little bit pressured to maintain a safe distance from Real Sociedad find creative ways to score its fourth goal. 

There is always a guarded optimism everytime Barcelona meet Real Sociedad. Last season, it was the only team that dealt them with a loss apart from its El Clasico rival Real Madrid. Barcelona's fourth goal came courtesy of substitute Marc Bartra in the 76th minute. Xavi Iniesta found Messi on the left. Messi then penetrated despite being flanked by Jon Asotegi and Liassine Cadamuro fired a cross in the center and found Marc Bartra for the tap in.