Carlos Vela's stoppage-time winner
helped Real Sociedad to a 2-1 triumph
over Espanyol that strengthened their
UEFA Europa League push.
The last-gasp win lifted Sociedad to
sixth in the Liga table, two points
above Villarreal, who visit Malaga on
Monday.
Fifth and sixth places earn a spot in
Europe's second-tier competition and
manager Jagoba Arrasate - who signed
a two-year contract extension this
week - will be hopeful his side can
hang onto the position with less than
a month of the season remaining.
They had to do it the hard way in San
Sebastian on Saturday, after Jhon
Cordoba turned in Diego Colotto's ball
in the 23rd minute for Espanyol.
Sociedad's response was swift,
although they required a slice of luck,
with Manu Lanzarote's own goal nine
minutes later coming after a corner.
Espanyol had plenty of chances in the
second half to claim their first win in
almost a month, but Sociedad held
firm.
They then ramped up the pressure
before the end, as Mikel Gonzalez,
Haris Seferovic and Pablo Hervias all
had late opportunities.
But just when it seemed they would
have to settle for a point, Vela popped
up, scoring with his left foot to end a
neat team move and end Sociedad's
three-match winless streak.
Valencia also left it late to claim a
point in a 1-1 draw at struggling
Osasuna.
Oriol Riera put the hosts in the lead in
the 19th minute, following in after
Roberto Torres' 25-yard effort was
spilled by Valencia goalkeeper Vicente
Guaita.
Substitute Jonas levelled for Valencia
eight minutes from time, though, with
his composed, angled finish extending
their unbeaten run to three matches.
Saturday's other Liga fixture saw
Getafe claim what could be a valuable
point in a 0-0 draw at Levante.
Alexis Ruano was sent off for a second
yellow card with nine minutes to play
but Getafe held on, despite their
numerical disadvantage, to pick up a
draw.
They sit 18th and are now in the
bottom three on goal difference only,
although 17th-placed Real Vallodolid
have a game in hand.
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