Sociedad extend lead after 1-0 win over Sevilla

A superbly-worked goal by midfielder Valery Karpin has allowed unbeaten Real Sociedad to take a 1-0 win over a defence-minded Sevilla and extend their lead at the top of the Spanish first division.

The Russian international slotted home at the far post after winger Javi de Pedro had helped complete an intricate move by threading a perfect pass behind the Sevilla defence on 70 minutes.

Saturday's win puts Raynald Denoueix's side four points clear of defending champions Valencia who claimed a flattering 2-0 win at home to Racing Santander.

Midfielder Miguel Angel Angulo opened for Valencia when he rounded keeper Erwin Lemmens before coolly slotting home on 42 minutes and then set up the second by providing the pass for Norwegian striker John Carew to poke home just after the break.

Sociedad lead the table on 29 points, Valencia follow on 25, while in-form Real Mallorca, who host Real Madrid on Sunday, are a further two points behind.

Struggling Barcelona, who were handed a shock 1-0 defeat at lowly Rayo Vallecano, are now 13 points behind the leaders in 10th place.

Rayo, who had taken just one point from their previous six outings, snatched only their third win of the season when midfielder Jorge Azkoitia clipped the ball home midway through the second half.

Barcelona have now gone four games without a win and, despite their fine form in the Champions League, Dutch coach Van Gaal is certain to face a renewed barrage of criticism from the club's discontented fans.

Earlier on Saturday, an out-of-sorts Deportivo Coruna were held to a 1-1 draw at bottom club Recreativo Huelva in a disappointing encounter at the Colombino stadium.

The Galicians, who looked to have their minds on next week's Champions League clash against Manchester United for much of the match against Recreativo, are now nine points behind the leaders in sixth place.