Primera Liga: Kiko Casilla error hands victory to Real Sociedad

A mistake by Espanyol goalkeeper Kiko Casilla proved to be costly as it set up Sergio Canales for the only goal of the game which saw Real Sociedad win 1-0 at Anoeta on Sunday.

Casilla's clearance in the 38th minute fell directly into the path of Canales, who gratefully accepted the gift and put David Moyes's side ahead.

It proved to be the decisive goal as despite an entertaining game, neither side was able to find the target again.

The result lifted La Real to 11th place in the overall Primera Division standings.

The match had a lively start and Espanyol striker Sergio Garcia almost unlocked Sociedad's defence when he burst into the box in the 11th minute and played in Felipe Caicedo, who sadly for the visitors blasted over the bar.

Gonzalo Castro had a punt at the other end shortly after, and while it did not trouble Espanyol keeper Casilla, it showed the visitors' defence was sluggish in closing the midfielder down.

Sociedad missed the chance to take the lead in the 36th minute when neither Xabi Prieto nor Canales was able to get a foot on the ball when it was flashed in front of the face of goal.

However, the home side did take the lead moments later when Casilla kicked straight into the path of Canales, who controlled the ball with one touch and slotted it home from the edge of the box.

Garcia had another shot late in the half from the edge of the area but his strike flew straight into the hands of Sociedad keeper Geronimo Rulli.

Canales went close to doubling his tally and Sociedad's lead in the first minute of the second half but Ruben Duarte made a good recovery tackle to clear the threat.

Casilla denied Imanol Agirretxe in the 61st minute with a smothering save as appeals from Sociedad for a penalty were waved away before Esteban Granero almost set up Prieto, but his diving header was straight at the Espanyol keeper.

Caicedo went close to finding a late leveller from a free-kick but Rulli saved his header to ensure he kept a clean sheet.