Real Sociedad narrow winners over Real Betis

Real Sociedad have moved into 13th position in the La Liga table courtesy of a 2-1 win over Real Betis on Saturday night.

Sociedad, who were thumped at Sporting Gijon last time out, opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Xabi Prieto headed past Antonio Adan from close range.

Betis held Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw last weekend, but the Andalusian side found themselves 2-0 down at the Anoeta in the 33rd minute when Inigo Martinez headed a Ruben Pardo free kick into the back of the net.

The visitors halved the deficit early in the second period, however, when Ricky van Wolfswinkel found Ruben Castro and the experienced striker made no mistake from close range to score his ninth league goal of the campaign.

Van Wolfswinkel had a chance of his own to draw Betis level just two minutes later, but the Portuguese's effort was deflected just wide of the post.

The away side's best opportunity of a leveller came late on when Bruno rose highest inside the Sociedad box, but the 25-year-old missed the target as the hosts, who also came close late on through Jonathas, picked up all the points.

Betis are now without a win in their last nine league matches, which has left them in 15th, just four points outside of the relegation zone.