Canales makes the most of Espanyol error

Real Sociedad beat RCD Espanyol 1-0 on matchday 26 of the Liga BBVA, a result that sees the Basques pick up an important victory that lifts them to eleventh position on 30 points, two fewer than their opponents at Anoeta.

The home team dominated the play in the initial minutes of a first half that did not see many openings. First Chory Castro then Xabi Prieto were involved in attacks on Kiko Casilla's goal, while Sergio García and Héctor Moreno responded for the visitors. Neither side proved able to get themselves ahead until Sergio Canales took full advantage of a goalkeeping error to leave La Real 1-0 up at the break.

With a lead on the scoreboard, David Moyes's men came out all the more fired up in the second half, and did not let Espanyol – still reeling from their Copa del Rey exit – back in it. Chory Castro found his way into the area after another mistake from the away defence, but Imanol Aguirretxe was unable to finish off the move to put the result beyond doubt. However, it remained 1-0 in San Sebastian, bringing the hosts a confidence boost having moved away from the danger zone.