Valencia missed the chance to move level with league leaders Barcelona after drawing 1-1 against a much-improved Real Sociedad side at Anoeta.

Carles Gil volleyed the visitors in front in the first half against the run of play, but former Valencia player Sergio Canales levelled for La Real in the 37th minute.

Both sides could have won it in the second period and Canales came agonisingly close to snatching a last-minute winner, but saw his bouncing shot cleared off the line.

Elsewhere, Getafe picked up what could prove to be a vital victory as Michel’s goal proved to be enough to beat Malaga 1-0.

Deportivo’s nightmare week suffered a fittingly miserable end as they went down to a stoppage-time goal at home to Almeria.

Having lost 8-2 to Real Madrid at the Riazor last weekend and then suffered a 2-1 derby defeat at Celta Vigo in midweek, Depor would have been desperate to pick up something from the visit of seemingly easier opponents.

And that looked set to be the case with the match apparently headed for goalless draw – only for Almeria to snatch a 1-0 victory through Edgar’s strike two minutes into added time.

Meanwhile, Cordoba remain the only team in the league without a win after a 0-0 draw with Espanyol.