Valencia move point clear at top
MADRID, Spain (Reuters) -- Valencia moved a point clear of Real Madrid at the top of the Primera Liga when they were held to a 0-0 draw by a dominant Real Sociedad.
The leaders were in uninspired form against the Basque side who can count themselves unlucky not to have claimed their first win in six outings in a game they dominated.
Sociedad, who ran Real so close for the title last season but have struggled so far this term, had two goals disallowed in the first half.
The result means champions Real can regain top spot if they beat city rivals Atletico in Wednesday's Madrid derby.
Third-placed Deportivo Coruna, who are a further point behind Real, could also overhaul Valencia if they win their match away to Valladolid.
Sociedad looked to have taken the lead when Valery Karpin poked the ball in on three minutes, but the Russian's goal was ruled out for an apparent offside.
The home side had the ball in the net once more on 32 minutes when Darko Kovacevic turned his defender and cracked in from the edge of the box.
But again the goal was disallowed, this time for a foul by the powerfully built striker.
Valencia, who had hardly threatened in the first half, looked more lively at the start of the second and finally produced a shot on target.
M|idfielder Carlos Marchena unleashed a powerful drive from the edge of the area, only to be denied by a fine one-handed save from Sander Westerveld.
Sociedad substitute Nihat Kahveci then slammed a powerful drive against the bar and Igor Gabilondo had successive goal-bound shots cleared off the line.
But Valencia could have stolen victory when Francisco Rufete raced free 17 minutes from time, but the midfielder sliced his shot wide of the post.
