For the first time since 2007, Barcelona has won at Real Sociedad. The Catalan club edged Sociedad 1-0 at the Anoeta Stadium on Thursday in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal first leg thanks to a first-half penalty kick goal from Neymar.
In a stadium that has brought nightmares to Barca fans, including losing to a David Moyes-led Sociedad in 2015, Barca was strong at the back and didn't give the hosts much room to create moving forward. Barca was boosted by the return of Gerard Pique from injury, and the team did just enough to come away with a big win in Spain's domestic cup tournament.
All that was needed was a little Neymar. The Brazilian went down in the box and converted this penalty kick on 21 minutes.
¡GOOOL! Falta clara en el area de Elustondo sobre @NeymarJR y el brasileño desde el punto penal se detiene y dispara. 0-1 #CopadelReypic.twitter.com/ekL4eun0S6
— beIN SPORTS Español (@ESbeINSPORTS) January 19, 2017
Real Sociedad failed to even get a shot on goal, and Barca finally ended the rough streak against the Spanish team that has given the club the most problems over the last decade. Barca hadn't won there in its last eight tries, losing five and drawing three.
This result puts Barca in a comfortable position due to the away goals rule. Barca would advance with a draw in next week's second leg. If Barca were to lose the second leg 1-0, it would go to extra time.
The return leg is set for next Thursday at 3:15 p.m. ET.
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