After four years, Barça are going back to tread the Anoeta turf. The last time was on the 33rd day of the League Championship of 2006/07, when Frank Rijkaard took the team to San Sebastian as league leaders by just one point over Sevilla, and two over third placed Real Madrid. Barça won 2-0 after losing their last two away matches.

Fruitless first half dominance

Barça’s side featured Valdés, Zambrotta, Thuram, Puyol, Gio, Edmílson, Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Eto’o and Ronaldinho, with Gudjohnsen and Oleguer coming on in the second half. Without playing brilliant football, Barça dominated the first 45 minutes and got the best chances, with Xavi coming close after 27 when keeper Bravo turned the ball behind for a corner and the same man also had a goal disallowed for offside. Real Sociedad had set out to defend, and got what they wanted when the first half ended scoreless.

Iniesta goal changes game

Two minutes after the break, Ronaldinho and Iniesta came into their own. The latter scored following an assist from the Brazilian, and that meant Miguel Angel Lotina was finally forced to send his team into attack. But that just served to create more space for Barça.

Eto’o and Ronaldinho tested Bravo and then Messi was the victim of an unawarded penalty by referee Teixiera Vitienes. Only Brazilian Savio was causing any danger on Valdés’ goal. The second goal came late on, from another assist from Ronaldinho to allow Eto’o to slot home beneath Bravo. The three points meant Barça collected three points that kept them top of the league, while Real Madrid moved into second place by beating Sevilla 3-2.