Barcelona have cut Real Madrid's lead at the top of La Liga back to seven points with a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad at the Nou Camp.

In what was a frantic start, Lionel Messi had a shot pushed away by Claudio Bravo in the Sociedad goal before Diego Ifran broke up the other end to see his shot parried by Victor Valdes.

Despite the early scare, Barca soon took control of the match and were rewarded when Cristian Tello cooly slotted in on his first start for the club.

Cesc Fabregas blasted over from inside the area minutes later, while Messi had a shot saved at the feet of Bravo.

Fabregas was again wayward towards the end of the half when he put his shot over after an exchange of passes with Messi. Meanwhile, Dani Alves whipped a shot narrowly wide of the far post as the hosts went in ahead at the break.

Antoine Griezmann nearly drew Sociedad level after the restart, but his shot was pushed away by Valdes after he had brushed off the attentions of Javier Mascherano.

Messi had a golden opportunity to double his side's lead just after the hour when he rounded the keeper. However, Miguel Gonzalez got back to block the Argentine's shot on the empty goal.

Joan Cuenca's effort cannoned off the bar with 20 minutes to play, before Messi finally got on the scoresheet with a first-time finish from the angle.

With Barca thinking that they had a comfortable two-goal cushion, Sociedad equalised instantly when on-loan Arsenal striker Carlos Vela slotted in after being put through by Griezmann.

The home side grew nervous in the final stages knowing that the could not afford to drop more points, but Sociedad failed to create the all-important opening as Barca hung on for the victory.