MADRID (Xinhua) - Real Sociedad maintained their three-point lead at the top of La Liga after a 2-0 win away to Osasuna.
A tight game tiled Real Sociedad’s way in the 72nd minute after Mikel Merino, who began his career with the Pamplona-based club, put the visitors ahead after an excellent team move.
The goal gave confidence to Real Sociedad, and Osasuna lost their shape. Adnan Januzaj sealed the win from the penalty spot after he had been fouled eight minutes from time.
Sevilla remain third after winning 2-0 away to Betis in a tepid Seville derby that they dominated from start to finish.
Guido Rodriguez’s sending off just before halftime was a huge handicap for Betis, and in the second half Sevilla’s passing left Betis chasing shadows.
Marcos Acuna’s thunderbolt put them ahead and Sevilla keeper Bono didn’t have to make a save all game before Hector Bellerin’s own goal sealed his side’s win eight minutes from time.
Atletico Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead over Valencia in injury time in a thrilling game in the Mestalla Stadium.
Diego Simeone’s side twice looked to be on their way to a win in the first half when Luis Suarez put them ahead in a first half they completely dominated, but Stefan Savic put the ball into his own net five minutes after the break.
Antoine Griezmann, who scored a thumping shot, and Sime Vrsaljko put Atletico 3-1 ahead with goals in the 58th and 60th minutes, but Valencia substitute Hugo Duro gave Valencia hope when he converted Gaya’s 91st-minute cross and his 96th-minute header saved a point that had looked unlikely just 6 minutes earlier.
Villareal coach Unai Emery’s decision to turn down the chance to coach Newcastle during the week was justified by Manu Trigueros’s 10th-minute goal which gave his side a 1-0 win at home to struggling Getafe.
Emery’s side were good value for a win which saw them end a worrying run of just one point from their previous four games, although winger Yeremi Pino suffered an injury that will keep him out of the Spain national team squad.
Pablo Maffeo’s 95th-minute header saved Mallorca a point in their 2-2 draw at home to Elche after the home side had twice taken the lead.