Barcelona player ratings: Solid performances help break curse
Neymar's penalty made the difference on a gritty night at Anoeta, from which Barcelona emerged with the victory over Real Sociedad
Jasper Cillessen 6
His work was focused on sending out balls that beat Real Sociedad's first line of pressure. He showed that he is good with both feet and can launch it well.
Sergi Roberto 7
The rest against Las Palmas did him well. Tactically useful as he gave oxygen to the midfield with his play up the wing and constant excursions to attack. Practically an extra midfielder, and the team was grateful as they suffered less.
Gerard Pique 7
Did not complicate life and brought calm to the defence. Dominated in the air. Practical and secure.
Samuel Umtiti 5
His start to the game was worrying. He was imprecise, uncomfortable on the ball. Gained confidence as the game progressed, but a lower level than his previous games.
Lucas Digne 7
Didn't bring the verticality of Jordi Alba going up the flank but in defence he is very trustworthy. Was up against Real Sociedad's most dangerous player, Carlos Vela, and he stayed strong.
Sergio Busquets 6
Didn't have an easy game because of the pressure on him, but he didn't stop pinging passes and pulling off some risky moves with opponents around, but did it well.
Ivan Rakitic 5
The lack of confidence Luis Enrique has in him has its consequences. The Croat has lost importance in the play and after Iniesta's departure, could not take the reins. Swapped out for Denis Suarez, another reminder he's no longer untouchable in the side.
Andres Iniesta 8
His importance showed by how the game changed after he was taken off. The side lost the plot without him on the pitch. In the first half his play helped Barcelona dominate.
Leo Messi 7
The ref did not book Yuri for kicking the ball at him and instead showed Messi yellow for time wasting, supposedly. Anoeta bayed to try and get him sent off. Leo showed his character and was the master as always.
Luis Suarez 6
His mission was the hardest of all, running hard and long to stretch the pitch and give an option for a long ball when Real Sociedad pressed. Fought with heart and was important for the team in attack.
Neymar 8
His flights down the left unbalanced La Real, with one resulting in a clear penalty which he converted nicely. I nthe second half could have had another penalty but was booked for diivng. His spark helped Barcelona break the curse of Anoeta.
SUBS
Andre Gomes 5
Came on for Iniesta, combining good passes and plays with bad ones that let La Real counter.
Denis Suarez 6
Added order and worked hard when it came to defending too.
