Barcelona are leading Real Sociedad at half time in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.

Sociedad started well and could have taken the lead with just four minutes played. Carlos Vela chased a long ball and played in Antoine Griezmann, but the Frenchman's effort was saved by Pinto.

Barcelona's first real chance arrived after 13 minutes as Dani Alves delivered a low cross to the far post, where Cesc Fabregas made contact, but his effort was just wide.

Lionel Messi had two golden chances to score as he met a cross from Jordi Alba, but Zubikarai denied the Argentine on both occasions from close range.

Messi then curled an effort towards the top corner, but it rattled against the crossbar before Sociedad cleared the danger.

Vela forced Pinto into another save, but the hosts took the lead when Sergio Busquets slotted in from close range. Inigo Martinez was then sent off for something he said to the referee.