Barcelona 1-0 True Sociedad: Lionel Messi scores late penalty
Lionel Messi scored a good late penalty while Barcelona edged to victory over Real Sociedad to move top rated of La Liga.
Barca go two items free from Real Madrid, but Zinedine Zidane's part can regain top place with victory at True Betis on Sunday (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
The house side's spot-kick was awarded for Robin le Normand's handball, which the referee saw on the pitchside screen, allowing Messi to convert.
Alexander Isak smashed a go wide from Sociedad's best potential for the game.
Barca thought that they had another in the 95th minute when Jordi Alba stroked a finish off into an open net, but substitute Ansu Fati was adjudged to be narrowly offside by VAR.
Ex - Middlesbrough striker Martin Braithwaite, who signed for Barca within an emergency transfer beyond your transfer window, was unsafe in the first one half, striking a couple of shots straight at Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro.
Ivan Rakitic had a good thumping work from the advantage of the region pushed away, while Gerard Pique headed straight at Remiro from within the six yard box.
Messi appeared to be having a great off moment when he side-footed a go wide from 10 yards out and curled another off focus on, but the skipper became the match winner, clipping home an 81st minute penalty for his 19th group goal of the growing season.
