Barcelona’s poor run away to Real Sociedad continued when the champions were held to a 1-1 draw at Anoeta on Sunday and slipped six points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid before next week’s ‘Clasico’ against their arch rivals. In England, another disappointing result followed for Jose Mourinho and his star-studded Manchester United side, which included Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney (substitute).
Former Real Madrid academy player Willian Jose headed Real Sociedad ahead in the 53rd minute after a torrid first-half performance by Barca but Lionel Messi levelled in the 59th following a magnificent display of skill by Neymar.
Barca enjoyed some luck when Sociedad’s Juanmi headed home after Carlos Vela had curled a shot off the underside of the bar and saw the goal wrongly ruled offside, while Mexican forward Vela hit the woodwork again late on.
Barca have not won away to Real Sociedad since 2007 although this was the first time in five league games at Anoeta that they had avoided defeat.
Man United draw again – as terrible record mars Mourinho’s start at Old Trafford
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was sent off for the second time in a month at Old Trafford on Sunday and was left more frustrated by a 1-1 draw with West Ham United that left his side further off the Premier League pace.
Mourinho, who had been sent to the stands against Burnley last month for abuse towards referee Mark Clattenburg, this time received his matching orders from Jon Moss in the 27th minute after petulantly kicking a drinks bottle down the touchline.
Mourinho was angry at Paul Pogba’s booking with the score at 1-1, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s third goal in two league games having cancelled out Diafra Sakho’s header after 90 seconds, the second fastest Premier League goal conceded by United at Old Trafford.
United largely dominated the match but were thwarted by fine goalkeeping from Darren Randolph and had to settle for a fourth consecutive home draw which left them in sixth place, 11 points off the top of the table.