MADRID: David Silva produced a masterclass to help third place Real Sociedad beat Almeria 2-0 on Sunday and provisionally closed the gap on league leaders Barcelona and Real Madrid to six points.
Struggling Seville picked up a crucial 2-1 victory over Getafe to climb out of the relegation zone on goal difference, while Real Betis took fourth place with a 2-1 win at Rayo Vallecano.
Real Sociedad’s veteran Spanish playmaker Silva, 37, took advantage of the defensive confusion in Almeria’s penalty area to come in and fire home the opener just after half-time.
Former Manchester City midfielder Silva had played a brilliant pass to place Take Kubo down the right to start the move.
Alexander Sorloth netted his sixth league goal of the season five minutes later to extend La Real’s lead at the Power Horse Stadium.
The Norwegian striker collected the ball from Mikel Merino and entered the box before beating Fernando Martinez at his near post.
Without the suspended Brais Mendez, Imanol Alguacil’s side weren’t at their best but still managed to inflict the promoted Almeria’s first home defeat since September, leaving them 14th.
Japan international Kubo impressed from the start with Sorloth, continuing his own revival this season.
The victory leaves the Alguacil side feeling full of confidence ahead of next weekend’s Basque derby with Athletic Bilbao.
La Real have 32 points from 16 games, clearing five points from fifth-placed Atletico Madrid, who host leaders Barcelona later on Sunday.
Jorge Sampaoli’s Sevilla won for the first time in seven league games against Getafe thanks to goals from Marcos Acuna and Rafa Mir.
Borja Mayoral scored late for Getafe to set up a tense final but Sevilla held on to move up to 17th.
Real Betis moved into fourth place provisionally after a 2-1 win at Rayo Vallecano in an entertaining game.
The Andalusians took the lead when Rayo defender Alejandro Catana headed the ball past team-mate Ivan Balliu and it bounced into their own net.
Sergio Camello equalized after 20 minutes but Luis Henrique sent Betis ahead with a superb individual strike.
Izi Palazon struck home for the hosts after the break but the goal was disallowed for offside, while Raul de Tomas made his second Rayo debut from the bench and missed a late chance to equalise.
Struggling Seville picked up a crucial 2-1 victory over Getafe to climb out of the relegation zone on goal difference, while Real Betis took fourth place with a 2-1 win at Rayo Vallecano.
Real Sociedad’s veteran Spanish playmaker Silva, 37, took advantage of the defensive confusion in Almeria’s penalty area to come in and fire home the opener just after half-time.
Former Manchester City midfielder Silva had played a brilliant pass to place Take Kubo down the right to start the move.
Alexander Sorloth netted his sixth league goal of the season five minutes later to extend La Real’s lead at the Power Horse Stadium.
The Norwegian striker collected the ball from Mikel Merino and entered the box before beating Fernando Martinez at his near post.
Without the suspended Brais Mendez, Imanol Alguacil’s side weren’t at their best but still managed to inflict the promoted Almeria’s first home defeat since September, leaving them 14th.
Japan international Kubo impressed from the start with Sorloth, continuing his own revival this season.
The victory leaves the Alguacil side feeling full of confidence ahead of next weekend’s Basque derby with Athletic Bilbao.
La Real have 32 points from 16 games, clearing five points from fifth-placed Atletico Madrid, who host leaders Barcelona later on Sunday.
Jorge Sampaoli’s Sevilla won for the first time in seven league games against Getafe thanks to goals from Marcos Acuna and Rafa Mir.
Borja Mayoral scored late for Getafe to set up a tense final but Sevilla held on to move up to 17th.
Real Betis moved into fourth place provisionally after a 2-1 win at Rayo Vallecano in an entertaining game.
The Andalusians took the lead when Rayo defender Alejandro Catana headed the ball past team-mate Ivan Balliu and it bounced into their own net.
Sergio Camello equalized after 20 minutes but Luis Henrique sent Betis ahead with a superb individual strike.
Izi Palazon struck home for the hosts after the break but the goal was disallowed for offside, while Raul de Tomas made his second Rayo debut from the bench and missed a late chance to equalise.
