Real Sociedad 1-1 Barcelona: Messi-less Barcelona advance to finals on penalties

Frenkie de Jong-Barcelona

Barca have beaten Sociedad on penalties in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final.

Barcelona have booked their place in the Spanish Super Cup final after defeating Real Sociedad 1 – 1 ( 3- 2 on penalties) in the semi-final.

Lionel Messi was a major absentee for the game after sustaining an anonymous injury, which forced him off the week last week.

Perhaps, the Argentine has been in red hot form since the turn of the year and doubts were cast on how the Catalans would perform without him.

At first, Barca showed early signs of not wanting a talisman, with Frenkie de Jong finding the lead after being set up by Antoine Griezmann.

However, the goal was cancelled at the start of the second half when Mikel Oyarzabal found the equaliser. De Jong, who was the scorer of the first goal, was found culpable of a handball.

As both teams saw out an unenthusiastic goalless draw in extra time, the game proceeded to penalties.

Marc Andre ter Stegen rose to the occasion and made two vital saves despite De Jong and Griezmann having their shots saved. 

Barca won the shootout 3-2 and thus booked their place to the finals.

Since the turn of the year, the Blaugrana have been seemingly unstoppable under Koeman, not losing any of their last three games.

Ronald Koeman said that the Spanish Super Cup would be  Barca’s objective since the Dutch gaffer has deemed his side a non-favourite for other titles.