Sergio Canales strike gives Real Sociedad narrow win against Espanyol

Real Sociedad have edged Espanyol 1-0 in this afternoon's La Liga clash at the Anoeta, thanks to Sergio Canales's first-half strike.

The visitors were first to threaten as a fast break allowed Lucas Vazquez to set up Sergio Garcia, but the veteran Spaniard's shot flew high over the bar.

On the quarter-hour mark, Gonzalo Castro decided to try a long-range drive following a stray clearance, but the ball flew into the stands.

Not long before the break, Espanyol goalkeeper Kiko Casilla sent a goal kick into the path of Canales, who controlled the ball with one touch before curling home from outside the box.

Following the restart, Castro was able to rob his marker before charging down the left flank, but his ball into the box was cleared by Ruben Duarte.

Espanyol found themselves under the cosh for the majority of the second half and, despite the hosts failing to add to their tally, they were able to see the game out and secure all three points.

David Moyes's side climb to 11th in the La Liga table, while the Parakeets remain 10th.