Nihat inspires Real recovery

By Andy Hall

Real Sociedad de Fútbol overturned a two-goal deficit against local rivals Athletic Club Bilbao in an exhilarating Basque derby that produced five goals and a sending-off in San Sebastian.

Derby drama
Athletic looked to be cruising when Ismael Urzaiz's seventh strike of the season gave the visitors a two-goal lead a minute before half-time, after Santiago Ezquerro had earlier broken the deadlock. But Nihat Kahveci scored twice in a ten-minute spell around the hour mark and Athletic were reduced to ten men after goalkeeper Dani Aranzubia was sent off for bringing down Darko Kovacevic. The home side took advantage and Igor Gabilondo sealed the dramatic win with a fierce header on 72 minutes.

Baptista penalty miss
Sevilla FC leapfrogged RCD Espanyol into third place with a 1-0 win against the Catalans. Javi Navarro hit the post with an early header and Sergio Ramos then watched a similar effort cleared off the line before Sevilla broke the deadlock through Julio Baptista just before half-time. Baptista was later denied from the penalty spot, but Espanyol could not find an equaliser.

Torres on target
Club Atlético de Madrid moved into fifth place and sent CD Numancia to the foot of the table after a 2-0 win. Pablo Ibáñez got Atlético off the mark with a superb header from Antonio López's cross on 50 minutes, before a López free-kick presented Fernando Torres with the opportunity and he wrapped up the game 13 minutes from time. López then spoiled a good performance with a late red card.

Betis battle
Ricardo Oliveira and Edu were on target as Real Betis Balompié came from behind to ruin Levante UD's recent charge up the table with a 2-1 defeat, while RCD Mallorca registered their first win under Héctor Cúper at Real Zaragoza. Luis García's 20th-minute strike proved enough to see Mallorca lift themselves off the foot of the table and end Zaragoza's unbeaten home run of five games.

Gabi glory
CA Osasuna and Real Racing Club Santander drew 1-1 after a Josetxo Romero own goal cancelled out Richard Morales' opener for the home team. Albacete Balompié and Getafe CF's meeting ended with the same scoreline despite Albacete being reduced to nine men as Antonio Pacheco and Gaspar Galvez were ordered off. Miguel Buades put Albacete ahead before Getafe equalised in spectacular style when Gabi Fernández hit a glorious 20-metre effort.