Vital win for Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad put some breathing space between themselves and the La Liga relegation zone thanks to a 2-0 win over Sevilla on Monday.

Heading into the match just one point clear of the bottom three, second-half goals from Carlos Vela and Ruben Pardo were enough to move Sociedad into 11th place on the Primera Division table.

Chances were few and far between in the first half.

On 27 minutes, Vela laid back for Pardo outside the area, but he only managed to scuff his shot into the side netting.

Sociedad's Agirretxe had a half-chance from the edge of the box with five minutes of the half left, but while he caught his volley sweetly, the shot went wide.

The second half was much the same as the first as Sevilla showed flashes of class but did not seem to have the confidence to string anything meaningful together.

As the game entered its final half hour, it became apparent that if the deadlock was going to be broken, then something special would be required, and it duly arrived 25 minutes from time.

Sociedad's Xabi Prieto curled in a cross, and Vela struck a stunning first-time volley into the net, bringing a dull contest to life.

If that goal was special, just a few minutes later Pardo eclipsed it when his vicious strike from outside the area flew into the top corner.

The win was invaluable for Philipe Montanier's side, but Sevilla – who were playing their first match with new boss Michel at the helm – remain without a league victory this year.