Messi's late penalty sends Barcelona to La Liga top

Barcelona is back on the La Liga table after a 1:0 victory against Real Sociedad.

Lionel Messi’s penalty in the 81st minute landed Barca 2 points clear ahead of Real Madrid, who will face Real Betis on Sunday

Barca thought they had a second in the 95th minute when Jordi Alba stroked a finish into an open net, but substitute Ansu Fati was adjudged to be narrowly offside by VAR.

Former Middlesbrough striker Martin Braithwaite, who signed for Barca in an emergency transfer outside the transfer window, was dangerous in the first half, striking a couple of shots straight at Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro.