Neymar penalty sees Barca scrape past Real Sociedad in Copa del Rey

Barcelona produced a gritty display as the Catalans managed to take a slender lead into the second leg of this cup tie against their Basque opponents.

While Barcelona had the better of the first half, Real Sociedad could have had themselves an early lead on another day had Willian Jose been awarded a penalty after he went down in the Barca box in the opening minute.

However, it was Barcelona who took the lead from the spot mid-way into the first 45 minutes as Neymar was brought down then stepped up himself to put his side in the lead.

Real Sociedad came close to equalising through Illarramendi, but the former Madrid man's shot from the edge of the area was deflected just wide.

The second half was a very tight, cagey affair as both teams had chances to score.

Neymar, who was the cream of the crop on the night for Barca, curled an effort wide of Geronimo Rulli's far post before Sergi Roberto squandered a good chance to score.

Meanwhile, Real Sociedad came close when full-back Yuri dragged a shot wide and Illaramendi couldn't guide a powerful header on target.

There were also a couple of dangerous attacks from the home side which were brought to a halt by the assistant referee who flagged for two questionable offsides when Sociedad had got themselves into good positions.

Barcelona managed to hang on for the narrow victory, but it is only half-time in this tie and must avoid any complacency in the second leg of this tie.