Barcelona slumped to a shock 3-1 defeat at Real Sociedad to lose momentum in their title challenge.

Barça were cut open again and again on the counter-attack by a Sociedad side intent on avenging their recent King’s Cup exit at the hands of the Catalans.

Carlos Vela shot over before the hosts took the lead in the 32nd minute when a cross by Sergio Canales went in off Alex Song, who was under pressure from Gorka Elustondo.

Barça levelled four minutes later after Sergio Busquets dummied a Martín Montoya pass and the ball found Lionel Messi who finished clinically.

Sociedad continued to open up a static Barça at the back and Vela scampered clear to cross for Antoine Griezmann to make it 2-1 early in the second period. David Zurutuza then sprang the offside trap before steering home a Griezmann pass.

It could have been worse for the champions as Vela hit the woodwork late on.

“We didn’t feel comfortable and hold possession which is our strength. This meant that they had openings,” Barça defender Gerard Piqué said.

“Now we have a break for a week and we can consider what went wrong. We are only three points behind so it isn’t worrying.”

Barça, who also had coach Gerardo Martino dismissed at half-time for complaining to the referee, have 60 points from 25 matches.

Real lead the way on 63 points but Atlético Madrid can draw level with them by winning at Osasuna on Sunday.

• Barcelona
• Real Sociedad
• Lionel Messi
• La Liga

theguardian.com