One week before El Clasico, Real Madrid needed two Cristiano Ronaldo goals and for Sporting Gijon to miss a late penalty to secure a nervy 2-1 win. Barcelona played 24 hours later, and Sunday night faced a tricky trip to bogey side Real Sociedad at the Anoeta, where it has not won for nine years. In showing his respect to the opponent, which has been excellent this campaign, coach Luis Enrique picked an unchanged side for the first time this season.
What followed was a thrilling encounter: Real Sociedad dominated the goalless first half, in which Barcelona keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen made more passes than anyone and Barcelona’s first shot came with 40 minutes on the clock.