Barcelona close in on La Liga title, beat Real Sociedad

FC Barcelona inched closer to its 23rd La Liga title with a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad here, getting one goal apiece from strikers Neymar and Pedro in the second half.

Argentine goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli did his utmost to keep Barcelona off the scoreboard over the first 45 minutes of action at Camp Nou Stadium on Saturday, denying a header by Argentine striker Lionel Messi and clear chances for Gerard Pique and Neymar, reports Efe.

But Rulli was left helpless seven minutes after the start of the second half, when defender Mikel Gonzalez's attempt to clear a pass into the penalty area by Messi went straight to Neymar, who headed home from close range.

Barcelona seemed to lose its sense of urgency after opening the scoring and went a stretch without threatening the visitors' goal.

But shortly before the end of regulation time, Pedro, who had replaced Brazilian midfielder Rafinha seconds earlier, scored with a spectacular bicycle kick to seal the victory in the 85th minute.