Neymar hands Barcelona one-goal advantage over Real Sociedad in Copa quarterfinal

Barcelona ended their Anoeta hoodoo as Neymar’s penalty kick gave them a narrow 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey quarter-final first leg.

The Catalans hadn’t won at their bogey ground since May 2007, with Real Sociedad unbeaten in eight matches against Barcelona there. But Neymar’s first half strike from the 12-yard mark was enough for Luis Enrique’s side to end that run, giving them an advantage in their efforts to make the Copa semi-finals.

Real Sociedad rarely threatened, with Neymar at the centre of many of the primary incidents. While the Brazilian scored what was ultimately the match-winner he was also booked for diving when replays suggested he had indeed been brought down in the box by Geronimo Rulli.

This was a fraught affair at times, but Barcelona cruised to victory in the end, giving La Real an uphill task if they are to fight back in the second leg at the Camp Nou next week.

Somewhat surprisingly, Andres Iniesta was replaced by Andres Gomes at half time at the Anoeta. It ultimately didn’t affect Barcelona much, with Gomes turning in one of his best performances for the club so far, but if Iniesta was withdrawn due to injury how serious is that injury? Barca need their primary playmaker. They can’t cope without him.

Neymar was Man of the Match in the same way Donald Trump was TIME magazine’s 2016 Person of the Year. Anything of any significance involved the Brazilian in some way or another. Some of it was good, some of it was bad, but you certainly accuse him of going missing or being anonymous. His goal proved the difference and he was, generally, an effective attacking outlet for Barca all night long.

Real Sociedad - Rulli 6, Yuri 6, Navas 5, Martinez 6, Elustondo 5, Prieto 6, Illarramendi 5, Zurutuza 6, Vela 5, Oyarzabal 6, Willian 5. Subs - Canales 5, Juanmi 5, Concha 5.

Barcelona - Cillessen, Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Digne, Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta, Messi, Neymar, Suarez. Subs - Denis 5, Gomes 6.

21’ PENALTY KICK TO BARCELONA! Neymar is brought down inside the area and the referee points to the spot.

22’ GOAL! Real Sociedad 0-1 Barcelona: Neymar won the penalty kick and Messi allows him to take it, finding the bottom corner of the Real Sociedad net, sending Rulli the wrong way from 12 yards.

63’ SO CLOSE TO AN EQUALISER! Yuri was played in on goal by Zurutuza, but he was caught in two minds and in the end sent a pass/shot just inches past the far post. Great chance.

64’ DIVE! And now Neymar enters the book for going down inside the area under the challenge from Rulli, who was reaching for the ball. I'll need to see that one again.

65’ THAT WASN'T A DIVE! Replays show that Neymar was harshly dealt with to get a yellow card for that last incident. Rulli stretched for the ball and didn't get it. There was little contact with Neymar, but he didn't get the ball.

Barcelona beat Real Sociedad at the Anoeta for the first time since May 2007.

Only Lionel Messi (17) has scored more goals than Neymar (14) in the Copa del Rey since he joined Barcelona.