Real Sociedad coach David Moyes was delighted with victory over Barcelona at the Anoeta.

La Real defeated Barca 1-0 thanks to an own goal from Jordi Alba inside the first minute.

"I am very happy to get the result, it was a very important and it was a very hard game," Moyes said.

"We worked hard defensively and defending is a big part of football. You don't win games if you don't defend well. The way that we played at the back gave us the chance to win this game.

"I always hope that we have the ball in all our matches but against Barcelona you know that this is difficult.

"This is something that we can improve on but I would like to emphasise the spirit of the team and the way we worked hard together."

Sociedad's task was arguably made easier with both Lionel Messi and Neymar left on the bench in the first half having only returned last Friday from their Christmas break and Moyes said he was not surprised by Barca coach Luis Enrique's team selection.

"I wouldn't say that it was more straightforward as Barcelona have a strong squad with great players," he said. "They have top players though and they can't always be at their best in all games.

"The most important games for Barcelona will come later in the season and I think Luis Enrique made a sensible decision. I thought something like this would happen and we were prepared for it."