Lionel Messi got the best of Real Sociedad on Saturday. Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP
A late Lionel Messi penalty helped Barcelona jump Real Madrid for first place in the La Liga standings with a 1-0 home victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday.
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The win puts the Blaugrana two points ahead of their Spanish rivals a week after losing 2-0 at the Bernabeu Clasico last Sunday. However, Real have the chance to restore their league lead when they visit Real Betis on Sunday.
The game looked headed for a draw before late drama gave Barca the breakthrough they needed. Sociedad defender Mikel Oyarzabal was shown a yellow card for handling a deflected cross in the box in the 80th minute, and Messi summarily made the visitors pay by sending goalkeeper Alex Remiro the wrong way from the spot.
Jordi Alba then looked to have added a second goal late in stoppage time but a VAR review overturned it.
Barcelona will next visit Mallorca on Saturday as Quique Setien's men look to continue their winning ways, while sixth-placed Sociedad will visit Eibar on Tuesday.
Source: espn.co.uk