Barcelona was held by Real Sociedad to a 2-2 draw on Saturday, giving Real Madrid a chance to take the outright lead in the Spanish league before next week's “clásico” between the rivals.
Real Madrid can enter Wednesday's match at Camp Nou Stadium with a two-point lead over Barcelona if it beats Valencia on Sunday.
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Barcelona was held by Real Sociedad to a 2-2 draw on Saturday, giving Real Madrid a chance to take the outright lead in the Spanish league before next week's “clásico” between the rivals.
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde didn't rest any of his top players, using Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Antoine Griezmann in the attack.
Barcelona recovered with two fast breakaways, one late in the first half and another soon after the break.
The hosts equalized in the 62nd with a close-range shot by striker Alexander Isak after Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen couldn't fully clear a cross.
Barcelona had won seven straight matches against Real Sociedad in all competitions.
A late winner by North Macedonia midfielder Enis Bardhi gave Levante a 2-1 win at Granada, ending the team's two-game losing streak.
Levante moved to 11th, one point behind ninth-place Granada.
Spanish powerhouses Madrid and Barcelona will meet for the first time this season in a match postponed from October because of a separatist rally in the Catalan capital.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi kicks the ball in front of Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino, right, during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Sociedad and Barcelona, at Anoeta stadium, in San Sebastian, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. (AP PhotoAlvaro Barrientos)
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde didn't rest any of his top players, using Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Antoine Griezmann in the attack.
Barcelona, which had won nine of its last 10 league games, was outplayed during most of the match at Reale Arena, with fourth-place Sociedad creating most of the scoring chances and restraining Barcelona.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring for the hosts by converting a 12th-minute penalty kick after Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets was caught grabbing Real Sociedad defender Diego Llorente inside the area.
Barcelona's Luis Suarez grimaces while holding his ankle during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Sociedad and Barcelona, at Anoeta stadium, in San Sebastian, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. (AP PhotoAlvaro Barrientos)
Barcelona recovered with two fast breakaways, one late in the first half and another soon after the break.
Griezmann equalized in the 38th by flicking the ball past goalkeeper Álex Remiro from inside the area. Griezmann, who played nine seasons with Real Sociedad, didn't celebrate his goal.
Suárez put the visitors ahead in the 49th with a strike into the open net after a pass by Messi, who attracted the defenders before making the assist.
Barcelona's Antoine Griezmann, right, reacts after Real Sociedad tied the game 2-2 during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Sociedad and Barcelona, at Anoeta stadium, in San Sebastian, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. (AP PhotoAlvaro Barrientos)
The hosts equalized in the 62nd with a close-range shot by striker Alexander Isak after Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen couldn't fully clear a cross.
Barcelona wanted a penalty kick when Gerard Piqué was pulled down in stoppage time, but the referee — and video review — didn't give the penalty.
Oyarzabal had also scored the last time Real Sociedad beat Barcelona, in a league match back in 2016.
Barcelona's Carles Alena, center right, jumps for the ball with Real Sociedad's Diego Llorente during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Sociedad and Barcelona, at Anoeta stadium, in San Sebastian, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. (AP PhotoAlvaro Barrientos)
Barcelona had won seven straight matches against Real Sociedad in all competitions.
Real Sociedad has won only one of its last five league matches. It had lost its last five league games against Barcelona.
LEVANTE REBOUNDS
Barcelona's Gerard Pique, center left, congratulates Lionel Messi after he served teammate Luis Suarez to score their side's second goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Sociedad and Barcelona, at Anoeta stadium, in San Sebastian, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. (AP PhotoAlvaro Barrientos)
A late winner by North Macedonia midfielder Enis Bardhi gave Levante a 2-1 win at Granada, ending the team's two-game losing streak.
Bardhi scored with a shot from outside the area in the 89th minute.
Rubén Rochina had put Levante ahead in the 55th, with Darwin Machís equalizing for the hosts five minutes later.
Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino, right, leaps to block a header from Barcelona's Lionel Messi during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Sociedad and Barcelona, at Anoeta stadium, in San Sebastian, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. (AP PhotoAlvaro Barrientos)
Levante moved to 11th, one point behind ninth-place Granada.
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Barcelona's Luis Suarez gestures during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Sociedad and Barcelona, at Anoeta stadium, in San Sebastian, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. (AP PhotoAlvaro Barrientos)