Real Sociedad made FC Barcelona struggle to earn a victory at Camp Nou but goals from Neymar and Pedro Rodriguez helped the Catalan giants to secure all three points as they took a big step ahead to win the La Liga title. Neymar was seemingly pleased with the victory and said that the club is enjoying a brilliant year.
FC Barcelona fans were buoyed by their Wednesdaya s 3-0 Champions League victory over Bayern Munich. But their team endured a difficult first half as David Moyesa Real Sociedad made them work hard as the Blaugrana failed to score a goal.
FC Barcelona, who lost to Real Sociedad in January, created some dangerous chances in the first half but keeper Geronimo Rulli made some excellent saves to keep the Basque side in the match.
In the ninth minute, Rulli got out to smother Neymara s shot following a one-two with Leo Messi. Few minutes later, in-form Lionel Messi again tested Real Sociedad goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli with a great looping header from Dani Alves’ cross but the keeper made a good effort to put keep the ball outside of the net.
Having failed to score in the first 45 minutes, Luis Enriquea s men began the second half with renewed vigour and Neymar came to the rescue of Catalans when he scored in the 51st minute.
Real Sociedad again worked hard to keep FC Barcelona strikers on the edge but Pedro scored through a superb overhead kick to put the result beyond any doubt.
FC Barcelona striker Neymar looked very excited after the win and said that the club is enjoying a brilliant year.
“We did all of we could to win the game, though, and that’s the most important thing. I’ve felt comfortable since the beginning of the season. We’re having a brilliant year,a said Neymar after the game.
“The first goal came at the right time and then, once it came, we controlled the game well. We were quiet at parts of the match, I admit as much.a
FC Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said that his players played a a perfect gamea . The coach also praised the display of substitute striker Pedro Rodriguez.
“The game was tough but in general I’d say we played a perfect game,” Luis Enrique said. “Physically, the team is doing well, though I did some rotations to keep players fresh. The best way to defend is for us to have the ball in the opponent’s half.
“Pedro is a player who always helps the team, whether he’s playing or not. It’s difficult for him not to be starting much right now but I’m happy to have him. Pedro’s goal was spectacular – I’ve seen him do that before in training. He’s a top player.”
