Sociedad emerge from Spanish slump
MADRID, Spain (Reuters) -- Real Sociedad ended a dramatic slump in form by coming from behind to win 2-1 at Malaga on Sunday for their first victory in 10 Primera Liga outings.
Last season's runners-up fell behind midway through the first half when defender Litos put Malaga ahead with a glancing header following a corner.
Russian midfielder Valery Karpin levelled 13 minutes later with a neat chip and Turkish forward Nihat Kahveci grabbed the winner just before the break.
Kahveci, who supplied the pass for Karpin's goal, sent a superb dipping free kick over the wall and past despairing keeper Juan Calatayud.
The win was enough to lift Sociedad out of the relegation zone, where they were replaced by Celta Vigo, who were thrashed 5-0 by fellow Galicians Deportivo Coruna on Saturday.
Basement side Espanyol also gained a morale-boosting victory on Sunday, ending a five-match losing streak with a 2-0 win at home to Real Mallorca thanks to an inspired double from skipper Raul Tamudo.
At the other end of the table, Osasuna regained fourth place in the standings thanks to a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames.
Midfielder Jose Izquierdo gave the Navarrans the lead when he drilled home a fierce first-time shot to finish off a neat passing move on 35 minutes.
But Bilbao equalised in the final minute of the first half, Asier del Horno sliding in at the far post to poke home a deflected shot from fellow defender Luis Prieto.
Champions Real Madrid ensured they stay at the top of the standings for another week after edging out an unimpressive 1-0 win over struggling Murcia at the Bernabeu on Saturday.
