Spanish first division reports

Brief reports of matches played in the Spanish first division on Saturday:

DEPORTIVO CORUNA 3 REAL SOCIEDAD 1

A Roy Makaay hat-trick helped Deportivo fight their way from behind against Real Sociedad who played far better than the scoreline would suggest. Xabi Alonso put John Toshack's side into the lead with a spectacular 25-metre strike, but Makaay grabbed an opportunist equaliser nine minutes before the break.

The Dutchman struck again soon after the restart as he drove home at the second attempt and then wrapped up with a fine far-post header 16 minutes from time.

LAS PALMAS 0 BARCELONA 0

Despite the scoreline, there was no shortage of chances in what was an entertaining and open match. The Canary islanders' attacking trio of Ruben, Luis Tevenet and Jorge created a host of problems for the Barca defence, while at the other end Javier Saviola, Patrick Kluivert and Luis Enrique all missed clear opportunities to snatch a win.

REAL MADRID 2 SEVILLA 1

Fernando Morientes ended his barren run of form as he hit two well-taken strikes either side of halftime to inject new life into Real's stop-start title defence. Zinedine Zidane showed a touch of class as he prised open the packed Sevilla defence to supply the passes for both goals.

Although Moises Garcia pulled a goal back in the 75th minute, Real recovered their poise to hold on for their fifth win in 13 games.

Playing Sunday:

Alaves vs. Celta Vigo Athletic Bilbao vs. Villarreal
Espanyol vs. Real Mallorca
Malaga vs. Osasuna
Real Betis vs. Rayo Vallecano
Valencia vs. Tenerife
Valladolid vs. Real Zaragoza