Nine-and-a-half years on, Barcelona finally exorcised the ghosts of Anoeta and left San Sebastian with a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad that sets them up nicely for next week's Copa del Rey second leg.

This was no vintage display from Luis Enrique's side, however, and things could have gone the other way again had the home team taken their chances. Barca also squandered opportunities, particularly Neymar, but most supporters would have gladly taken the offer of a 1-0 away win at Barca's least happy hunting ground.

Positives

Barca finally got the monkey off their back after so many disappointing nights at Anoeta. Everyone mucked in and did their defensive work, with Lucas Digne and Sergio Busquets looking especially strong. The team might have wilted in the past when losing Iniesta halfway through a game, but Andre Gomes stood his ground well.

Negatives

Any injury to Iniesta is always disconcerting and Barca fans will be hoping he was only taken off as a precaution. Despite a strong performance, Neymar's inability to put away clear chances is worrying and he still has not scored from open play since October.

Manager rating out of 10

7 -- Luis Enrique put out an almost full-strength side, only resting Jordi Alba and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and the occasion and the venue certainly warranted it. He should be praised for doing what Pep Guardiola, Tito Vilanova and Gerardo Martino could not do in leaving Anoeta with a win.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Jasper Cillessen, 6 -- Was rarely tested, with La Real barely hitting the target, but his footwork did not exactly inspire confidence. Sent passes straight to opponents more than once.

DF Sergi Roberto, 5 -- Continued to look short of confidence at the moment. Was mostly ineffective in attack and was caught out for La Real's best chance, allowing Mikel Oyarzabal to break down the left, his shot spinning just beyond the far post.

DF Gerard Pique, 7 -- Had an early scare when Willian Jose went down in the box from his challenge in the opening minute, but the referee was right not to give it. Made a crucial block on Asier Illarramendi's shot later in the half and was always aware of any danger.

DF Samuel Umtiti, 6 -- Was slightly shaky in the early stages, but soon recovered his composure, passing precisely and pulling his weight when Barca were occasionally on the back foot.

DF Lucas Digne, 7 -- Barely put a foot wrong, keeping Carlos Vela quiet and frequently sniffing out any potential breakaways from the hosts.

MF Ivan Rakitic, 7 -- Just as in San Mames, he played a vital defensive role, keeping La Real's pressing in check and protecting Sergi Roberto on the right flank.

MF Sergio Busquets, 7 -- Showed further signs that his early season blip was just that, exerting control in possession and constantly getting in La Real's way, as demonstrated by their aggressive treatment of him as the game went on.

MF Andres Iniesta, 6 -- Gave Barca the control in the first half that they had lacked in his absence in the 1-1 draw here in November, but was forced off at the break with an injury.

FW Lionel Messi, 6 -- Had a frustrating evening overall and was furious when booked for time-wasting, making his point to the referee at half-time and needing restraining from one of the coaching staff. Failed to score for the first time in eight games, although he played deeper in the second half after Iniesta came off, looking to dictate the tempo.

FW Luis Suarez, 6 -- Struggled to get in the game and barely mustered a shooting opportunity. Has not scored in any of his four visits to Anoeta.

FW Neymar, 7 -- Was easily Barca's most dangerous attacking outlet, often finding a way through La Real's dogged backline with his dribbling, which led to him fooling Aritz Elustondo and winning the decisive penalty. He converted it without any sign of nerves, but lacked composure when two clear chances fell his way in the second half.

Substitutes

MF Andre Gomes, 6 -- Had a mixed display, misplacing the odd pass but also holding the ball up well and helping quell La Real's pressing.

MF Denis Suarez, 5 -- Was brought on in an attacking move from Luis Enrique, but could not help find a second goal.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by RICHARD MARTIN

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