Barcelona 2-0 Real Sociedad: Neymar and Pedro down David Moyes' men

David Moyes did his best to help out old friend Carlo Ancelotti in the Spanish title race but his team's stubborn resistance was finally broken by Neymar as Barcelona beat Real Sociedad.

With a spectacular finish from Pedro to double Barcelona's advantage they were comfortable winners in the end but they had been anything but comfortable for long periods of the game.

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has nothing on Moyes this week – the former Everton and Manchester United manager's team looked far more solid than the Germans had at the Nou Camp four days earlier.

There was also no hurried change of plan after 15 minutes either as Real Sociedad frustrated throughout the first half and did not concede until the 50-minute mark.

They had 22-year-old Argentine goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli to thank for a large part of the resistance. He was in brilliant form and Moyes deployed the  tactic of funnelling Barcelona's attacks in-field where there were plenty of blue and white striped shirts to block, tackle and rob.

When the first goal came it was Neymar who scored it. He has now netted in all six of last games and it was his 50th for the club. Barcelona's front three have scored 112 goals this season. He was mobbed by team-mates relieved at the deadlock being broken after such a difficult first period.

Messi had been the first to try and fail to beat young Rulli with a looping header from just inside the area that the keeper batted away. Then the man, who destroyed Bayern inside three minutes in midweek, set up Neymar and the Brazilian was also foiled by the visiting keeper.

Real were getting tight to their illustrious rivals. Both Alberto De la Bella and Markel Bergara were booked for getting too tight with late challenges and Luis Suarez was thumped from behind by Iñigo Martinez but this time referee Ignacio Iglesias' cards stayed in his pocket.

Barcelona needed a win to stay clear of Real Madrid playing Valencia later on Saturday night and both Dani Alves and Gerard Pique were joining the Barcelona attacks as often as possible.

He was denied by Rulli too as Barcelona continued to lay siege to Real Sociedad's goal. Messi then found Suarez in space at the back post but the former Liverpool striker headed unselfishly across the face of the goal instead of goalwards. The bounced invitingly in front of Xavi and Neymar but perhaps thinking Suarez would go for goal himself, no one reacted and the ball went out of play.

The nerves were starting to creep into Barcelona's play with Rafinha putting the ball straight out for a goalkeeper. And when the half-time whistle went Messi hammered the ball skywards in frustration at a wasted half.

Real walked off tall at the break feeling they had gone toe-to-toe with the best team in Europe at the moment and not conceded. Mikel Gonzalez throwing himself at Rafinha's shot just before the break had summed up the performance. Was it really going to be one of those days?

Bartra almost headed a Xavi corner into the top corner with Barcelona's first chance of the second half but that man Rulli was there again to tip the ball away for another corner.

Both Andres Iniesta and Sergi Busquets were now warming up and Luis Enrique was starting to move around his technical area almost as anxiously as Moyes but on 50 minutes the Camp Nou breathed a huge sigh of relief as Mikel Gonalez flicked on a Messi's diagonal pass and at the far post Neymar ghosted in to put Barca ahead.

It was a credit to Real Sociedad that they had held out for so long but Moyes will not have seen it that way – the Brazilian was unmarked when he beat Rulli. His team were not completely out of it and it was a measure of the threat they still posed that Mascherano was put back into the centre of defence for the substituted Bartra and the Argentine was immediately booked for flying into a tackle on Xabi Prieto.

Moyes threw on Alfredo Finnbogason and Chory Castro and Barça continued to wobble at the back but then came the spectacular second. Suarez, Adriano and Messi linked up and Pedro bicycle kicked the ball over Rulli and just under his crossbar.

Real Sociedad has gone away empty-handed but Moyes had given them another glimpse of the future. It was an example how he can make teams difficult to beat. It had been a very uncomfortable afternoon for Barcelona – for more uncomfortable than the evening they spent putting three past Bayern Munich in midweek.

For Barcelona there are now two hurdles left to clear. Next week they face Atletico Madrid, strike pending. And Deportivo come to the Nou Camp for the final game of the season a week later. A run of wins that now totals 28 in 30 matches continues to take them towards the treble. 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3074929/Barcelona-2-0-Real-Sociedad-Neymar-Pedro-David-Moyes-men.html#ixzz3aZV8r4O6 

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Valencia CF continue lethal form at Mestalla (2-0)

From: Valencia CF 

March, 01 2015 - Piatti brace beats defensive Real Sociedad

Valencia CF continued their imperious form at Mestalla with a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad, thanks to a Pablo Piatti brace in the second half. The result was the team's first victory against the Basque side at home since 2011 and a further boost to their hopes of playing Champions League football next season.

The early kickoff at Mestalla began with an early chance for José Gayà, who took the ball on his less-favoured right foot and sent his shot wide. It was a sign of things to come in the first half, in which Valencia CF pushed and upped the intensity with every passing minute. Sofiane Feghouli had a good opportunity of his own for VCF, but was also off target -having not seen teammate Álvaro Negredo unmarked at the back post.

Whilst Valencia CF played an expansive, attacking game, Real Sociedad limited their strategy to defending and slowing down the pace. VCF were happy to press up on their opponents and look for the counter attack.

On 26 minutes Shkodran Mustafi headed towards goal on a move resulting from a corner, but he was denied by Real Sociedad goalkeeper Rulli's agile stop. Moments before, VCF had an appeal for a penalty waved away when Canales had appeared to stop Gayà's shot with his arm.

Mustafi would later block Xabi Prieto's powerful shot -a rare Real Sociedad chance- before the game went into the halftime break with the score at 0-0. Valencia CF had dominated play, but had received no reward for their efforts.

Manager Nuno Espírito Santo took off Nicolás Otamendi upon the start of the second half, due to an ankle issue for the Argentine, replacing him with fellow countryman Lucas Orban in the defence. Further up the pitch the side remained unchanged, and on 47 minutes they had their first shot of the half: Feghouli's hit made contact with the back of Real Sociedad's Ansotegi when it looked to be on its way in.

The deadlock was finally broken 52 minutes in, courtesy of Pablo Piatti. Dani Parejo made a majestic turn on Rubén Pardo, crossed into the box and found Piatti waiting to shoot. The Argentine's effort hit Ansotegi -only this time the ball went into the net. 1-0 to Valencia CF, and it was no less than they deserved.

However, the best was yet to come, and Piatti would get his second of the afternoon shortly after; Feghouli put the ball inside to him and he beat Rulli with a cool finish. It was Piatti's seventh goal in La Liga this season.

Älvaro Negredo came close to making it 3-0 with a shot into the side netting, followed by Rodrigo sending a terrific chance wide on 76 minutes. Real Sociedad had become even more vulnerable as they advanced their lines in search of goals, but VCF were not able to take full advantage.

Nevertheless, another victory in front of the home fans at Mestalla and an impressive performance keep Nuno's side in a strong position in La Liga -and serves as perfect preparation for the game at the Vicente Calderón against Atletico Madrid next weekend.

Spanish Primera División

Mestalla, Valencia

Valencia CF 2 vs. 0 Real Sociedad

Valencia CF: Diego Alves; Antonio Barragán, Shkodran Mustafi, Nicolás Otamendi (Lucas Orban, m. 46), José Gayà; Dani Parejo, Enzo Pérez, Javi Fuego,Pablo Piatti (Rodrigo de Paul, m. 80), Sofiane Feghouli (Rodrigo, m. 67) andÁlvaro Negredo.

Real Sociedad: Rulli, Aritz, Ansotegi, Iñigo, Yuri (Finnbogason, m. 69), Elustondo (De la Bella, m. 65), R. Pardo, Granero, X. Prieto, Canales (Hervías, m. 46) and Agirretxe.

Goals: 1-0. M. 52: Piatti. 2-0. M. 55: Piatti.

Referee: Estrada Fernández. Yellow cards for Enzo Pérez and Rodrigo de Paul(Valencia CF), Elustondo, Rubén Pardo and Yuri (Real Sociedad).

Real Sociedad beat Barcelona again at Anoeta 1-0

Joy for David Moyes as Real Sociedad beat Barcelona in La Liga

Real Sociedad coach David Moyes praised his side’s determined defending after their 1-0 victory over Barcelona on Sunday.

Moyes has had little to cheer about over the last year but was all smiles after his side held on to beat Barca after taking the lead in the second minute through an own-goal by Jordi Alba.

The Scotsman lasted less than a season at the helm of Manchester United before being sacked last April and took on a tough task when he agreed to take over a Sociedad side fighting relegation in November.

There were plenty of doubts in the local media over his lack of experience of Spanish football, and his inability to speak the language, but he has made a solid start, building from the back and they have lost only one game so far.

“I am very happy to get the result, it was a very important and it was a very hard game,” Moyes told a news conference. “We worked hard defensively and defending is a big part of football. You don’t win games if you don’t defend well. The way that we played at the back gave us the chance to win this game.

“I always hope that we have the ball in all our matches but against Barcelona you know that this is difficult. This is something that we can improve on but I would like to emphasise the spirit of the team and the way we worked hard together.”

Real Sociedad’s defeat of Barcelona my ‘happiest night’ at club, says David Moyes

 

Read more

Sociedad’s task was arguably made easier with both Lionel Messi and Neymar left on the bench in the first half having only returned last Friday from their Christmas break and Moyes said he was not surprised by Barca coach Luis Enrique’s team selection.

“I wouldn’t say that it was more straightforward as Barcelona have a strong squad with great players,” he said. “They have top players though and they can’t always be at their best in all games.

“The most important games for Barcelona will come later in the season and I think Luis Enrique made a sensible decision. I thought something like this would happen and we were prepared for it.”

David Moyes positive debut as Real Sociedad shared points with Deportivo La Coruña 0-0

Real Sociedad earned a 0-0 draw at Deportivo La Coruna in former Manchester United manager David Moyes’ first match in charge of the team.

The visitors had the better of the first half and ex-Arsenal man Carlos Vela had a dipping shot saved by Fabricio before putting the best chance of the first period over the crossbar.Moyes was appointed by Sociedad 12 days ago and his team looked well organized throughout a fairly scrappy game at Estadio Riazor.

The visitors had the better of the first half and ex-Arsenal man Carlos Vela had a dipping shot saved by Fabricio before putting the best chance of the first period over the crossbar.

Moyes was also a bystander in a bust up between the two benches, and a member of the Deportivo coaching staff was subsequently sent to the stands for taking his protests towards the referee too far.

Deportivo were far more aggressive after the break and would have been in front had Pablo Insua made a better contact when he met a corner at the far post.

Vela did have a final chance to put Sociedad in front but he fired into the side-netting on his weaker right foot 15 minutes from time.

And Sociedad goalkeeper Enaut Zubikarai then had to be alert seven minutes from time, doing well to keep out Juan Rodriguez's low effort and ensure Moyes’ side returned to San Sebastian with a point.

The 51-year-old Moyes has only just started learning the language and mostly had to rely on an interpreter to communicate with his players.

"The coach has asked us for more intensity and I think we showed that in the first half when we created some good chances," Sociedad midfielder Sergio Canales said in an interview with Spanish television.

Real Sociedad frustrates Real Madrid in a come from behind win 4-2

Bleacher Report 

David Zurutuza scored twice as Real Sociedad came from two goals behind to defeat visiting Real Madrid 4-2 on Sunday in a thrilling La Liga match at the Anoeta. 

Madrid led through early strikes by Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale and seemed to be cruising to their second victory in as many matches to start the league season. Instead, Sociedad stormed back with four unanswered goals. Inigo Martinez started the comeback with a 35th-minute tap-in before Zuruzuta headed in the equaliser four minutes before half-time. Zuruzuta completed the turnaround with his second of the night, a first-time finish from a Xabi Prieto cross in the 65th minute, before substitute Carlos Vela added Sociedad's fourth with 15 minutes to play. The win was Sociedad's first of the new campaign following last week's season-opening loss at Eibar. The manner of the victory—especially after crashing out of the UEFA Europa League midweek—will give Jagoba Arrasate's side confidence as they try to replicate or improve on last season's seventh-place finish.

Up next for La Real is a trip to Celta Vigo on Sept. 13. For Madrid, on the other hand, it's an especially disappointing defeat after holding an early two-goal lead away from home. Los Blancos opened the season with a win at home to Cordoba last weekend, but Sunday's defeat could prompt manager Carlo Ancelotti to adjust his plans ahead of their showdown with rivals and defending champions Atletico Madrid on Sept. 13. 

One point of consolation for Madrid could be the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who did not play due to injury. Per Reuters (via Daily Mail), the 29-year-old superstar was not included in the squad as he continues to deal with a hamstring issue.

Madrid dominated the opening stages and raced to a two-goal lead within the first 11 minutes. The opening goal came in just the fifth minute, Ramos rising highest to place a brilliant header into the bottom corner from a Toni Kroos corner. Ramos came close again five minutes later, hitting the crossbar with a curled free-kick. Then, in the 11th minute, Bale doubled Madrid's lead with an outstanding individual effort. After accepting a pass from Luka Modric, Bale nutmegged a defender before finishing in the bottom corner to make it 2-0. Madrid appeared to be cruising to victory, but Sociedad drew level with two goals late in the first half. 

Like Madrid's opener, Sociedad's first goal came from a corner, Prieto flicking a header on toward the back post. Unmarked, Martinez slammed home to make it 2-1 in the 35th minute. Six minutes later, the hosts were back on even terms. Alberto de la Bella curled in a fine cross from deep on the left, and Zurutuza, making a late run, powered a pinpoint header past Iker Casillas for the equaliser. Madrid were stunned, but Ancelotti's side had another chance just before the break as James Rodriguez picked out the ever-dangerous Ramos with a free-kick. Ramos once again rose highest to meet the ball, but this time the Madrid defender headed wide of the post. 

Having clawed their way back into the game, Real Sociedad took the next step in the second half, steadily gaining in confidence before taking a lead of their own. Imanol Agirretxe came close with the first chance of the second half, but the striker's header across goal bounced wide of the post.

It mattered little, though, as Sociedad edged in front midway through the half. In the 65th minute, Prieto and Sergio Canales combined on the right flank before Prieto crossed low into the middle. Making another late run into the goalmouth, Zurutuza finished high with his first touch to put Sociedad ahead 3-2. The hosts were buoyant, but they were about to have even more reason to celebrate. In the 75th minute, Vela added the fourth goal, bringing down a corner in the box before steadying himself and smashing in his shot past Casillas. Madrid appealed for a handball on the play, but regardless, the visitors were once again guilty of switching off defensively at a costly time. 

Madrid still had time for a couple late chances, James Rodriguez testing Sociedad goalkeeper Enaut Zubikarai with a late shot and Karim Benzema firing off the upright in stoppage time. That was as close as Madrid came, though, and at the final whistle, Ancelotti's side could only ponder what went wrong.

Real Madrid demolish Real Sociedad 4-0

Bleacher Report

Real Madrid shrugged off the absence of superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo, keeping pace in the La Liga title race with a 4-0 victory at Real Sociedad on Saturday evening. 

Asier Illarramendi opened the scoring for Madrid, tapping in a rebound just before half-time. Gareth Bale doubled the lead midway through the second half, taking advantage of a miscue by Real Sociedad goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. Real then killed off the game with late goals from Pepe and substitute Alvaro Morata. The victory took Madrid onto 76 points, three points behind leaders Atletico Madrid and two behind second-placed Barcelona.

 "It was very difficult for us," Illarramendi said, per Inside Spanish Football. "After the second goal the game was over and we took advantage of the spaces." onaldo did not play for Real Madrid, missing out with a knee injury. In his absence, manager Carlo Ancelotti started Isco on the left side of Real Madrid's attack, with Bale on the right and Karim Benzema in the middle. The result will give Madrid momentum heading into the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund. Madrid won the first leg 3-0 at home. In addition, the victory over Real Sociedad—who beat Barcelona 3-1 at home last month—should give Carlo Ancelotti's side confidence heading into the stretch run. 

 "It was a good contest. I am very happy. I have a team who likes to fight and I’m proud to coach this team," Ancelotti said, per Inside Spanish Football. "The victory strengthens the team’s resolve. We are on a good run of form. We are behind in the standings, but we will fight until the end." 

The visitors struggled to generate chances in the opening stages as Sociedad created the better openings. Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez made a fine save from close range on Carlos Vela, keeping out the Mexican international's volley from a Real Sociedad corner. The save did not count, though, as Vela was ruled offside. Sociedad came close again six minutes later as Antoine Griezmann sent a looping header over the bar from Vela's cross. The hosts appealed for a handball on Illarramendi in the 43rd minute after the Madrid midfielder blocked a shot, but replays showed Illarra had trapped the ball with his abdomen. Real Madrid then went ahead on the stroke-of-half-time goal. Bravo saved Benzema's initial shot from the left, but the rebound fell to Illarra, who tapped in with a first-touch volley from close range. Illarramendi, who came through Sociedad's youth system before joining Madrid in 2013, did not celebrate against his former club.

Madrid had a big chance to double their lead in the 48th minute. Xabi Alonso curled in a free kick from the right and Sergio Ramos met it with a powerful header, but the ball cannoned off the crossbar and the score remained 1-0. Alonso tested Bravo with a curling free kick from outside the box in the 57th minute but Bravo moved across his line to punch the ball away. After Bale received treatment for a gashed knee in the 60th minute, Alonso tried again four minutes later but this time curled his free kick over the bar. Benzema rattled the crossbar again in the 65th minute, blasting a powerful left-footed strike off the woodwork from outside the box. 

One minute later, Madrid finally found their second goal after a gaffe by Bravo. Holding the ball near the edge of his own box, Bravo scuffed poor clearance straight at Bale, who had just returned to the pitch after receiving treatment for his knee. Controlling with his first touch, Bale scored with a swerving drive into the bottom corner as Bravo scrambled in vain to get back into position. Benzema rolled a shot just wide of the post in the 69th minute as Madrid looked to kill off the match. At the other end, Griezmann forced a save from Lopez with a low shot in the 83rd minute. But that was as close as Sociedad came to pulling back a goal in the second half. Instead Real Madrid killed off the game with two more late goals. Pepe grabbed Madrid's third in the 85th minute, sweeping in after Ramos rose highest to head back a corner across the box. Morata then made it 4-0, slotting past Bravo on the break after being freed by Angel Di Maria's incisive through pass.

Real Sociedad inflicts title dashing defeat on Barcelona 3-1

Four Four Two

Real Sociedad inflicted a blow to Barcelona's La Liga title hopes with a stunning 3-1 win at Anoeta on Saturday.

Antoine Griezmann was influential as Sociedad extended their unbeaten home run against Barcelona to five games, leaving the team that topped the table heading into the weekend three points behind Real Madrid.

An Alex Song own goal gave the hosts the lead, only for Lionel Messi to level with his sixth goal in his last five appearances against Sociedad.

Barca were then undone by two strikes early in the second half, Griezmann scoring in the 54th minute after excellent work from Carlos Vela and David Zurutuza adding a third five minutes later.

Sociedad move up to fifth, while Barca, who saw coach Gerardo Martino sent to the stands at half-time, could drop to third if Atletico Madrid avoid defeat against Osasuna on Sunday.

It took 20 minutes for the first threatening moment of the match to arrive as Barca opened up the Sociedad defence through Andres Iniesta and Pedro.

The duo exchanged a number of passes before a chance opened up for Pedro, but he curled his effort wide of goal without testing Claudio Bravo.

Sociedad then made the breakthrough as Gorka Elustondo forced an error from Song.

Sergio Canales delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area where Elustondo, who had got in front of the Cameroon international, saw his header deflect off Song's chest and fly past Victor Valdes.

Sociedad's lead only lasted four minutes as Messi, anonymous in the opening half-hour, levelled with a low drive from the edge of the penalty area.

After flicking the ball out to Martin Montoya, the Argentine met his return pass after Sergio Busquets had let it run through his legs and made no mistake with a clinical finish.

Both sides had chances to move ahead at the start of the second half. but it was Sociedad who got a second goal as Griezmann netted his 15th of the season in the league.

Vela was released behind the Barca defence and rolled the ball across the penalty area for Griezmann, who fired first time beyond Valdes.

Things soon got even better for the hosts as they extended their advantage, with Griezmann heavily involved again.

The Frenchman spotted the late run of Zurutuza into the penalty area, and the midfielder flicked the ball past Valdes to leave Barca with a mountain to climb.

Even the introduction of Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez could not rouse Barca, who were lucky not to concede a fourth goal as Vela fired against the post in the final 10 minutes.

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.

Atletico Madrid hands Real Sociedad its first loss 2-1

Villa celebrates with teammates after his goal

David Villa                                                   27’	Xabi Prieto                                                   69’
Koke                                                             56’

David Villa gave his new team the lead in the battle of undefeated teams after he capitalized on the mistake of Jon Ansotegi to lift Atletico Madrid over Real Sociedad in the 27th minute of the game in the third round of the La Liga 2013-2014 season. David Villa figured in an exchange with Diego Costa when he was  was able to squeeze himself past David Zurutuza and Jon Ansotegi. Ansotegi's tackle however caught David Villa's foot and paid the price as it afford Villa space to tap in the ball past the rushing goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. 

Jon Ansotegi

Both teams displayed excellent plays dominated by counter attacks. In the 34th minute, Diego Costa latched on to the long ball from the back fell short as Ansotegi atoned for his earlier blunder and cleared the ball for Sociedad.  

Real Sociedad made its own version in the 53rd minute as Antoine Greizmanns breakaway was cleared by Thibaut Courtouis. 

Atletico Madrid upped their lead in the 56th minute.  The play began with Diego Costa running down the middle and who passed it to Arda Turan on the left.  Turan backheeled the ball to David Villa, who run deep into the left and fired a cross which finds its way to unmarked Koke who send it home.

Despite having advantage in pace, Real Sociedad's forward failed to make headway in most parts of the games as their attacks were constantly foiled by Atletico's alert defense.  

Real Sociedad's break came in unexpected turn of events as it outsmarted the Atletico defense in the 69th minute.  The play was momentarily stopped as Diego Godin's push dropped Carlos Vela. As the referee whistled for the resumption of the game,  substitute Esteban Granero made a quick pass to Xabi Prieto which caught the Atletico defense by surprise.  There is nothing much that Thibaut Courtouis could do as Xabi Prieto slammed the strike into the goal. 

Atletico Madrid almost took away that Real Sociedad goal when Arda Turan, Diego Costa and David Villa conspired a promising buildup.  As Turan nears the penalty box, he squared the ball to the right to the out of place Diego Costa enabling the Sociedad defense to steal possession.  Had Turan look to his left, an open David Villa could have scored Atletico's third goal. Atletico Madrid continued its unrelenting forays into the Sociedad goal with attempts Arda Turan and Raul Garcia were both stopped by Claudio Bravo.  

The aggressive offense is not a monopoly of Atletico either.  Real Sociedad tried its best to score the equalizer.  In the 89th minute, Liassine Cadamuro lets loose a long pass to the middle of the penalty box which barely grazed the head of Antoine Greizmann.  However Esteban Granero was there to collect the miss and fired a close range shot but the alert Thibaut Courtouis made an excellent block to deny Sociedad its game tying score.  Sociedad had the opportunity again when in the 90th minute, Cadamuro's pass bounced from Carlos Vera which landed on Ruben Prado.  Prado unleashed a powerful volley but Courtouis saved the shot with a top hand save. 

The scoring ended is capped by a spot kick by Gabi which was cleared with a high diving save by Claudio Bravo.