Barcelona stretch lead as Sevilla edge Real Madrid

Barcelona moved two points clear at the top of the table on Saturday after notching a 1-0 win at home to Real Sociedad while title challengers Sevilla beat Real Madrid 2-1 in a highly charged encounter at the Sanchez Pizjuan.

Ronaldinho continued his superb run of recent form with his 11th league goal of the season when he steered a clever first-time shot into the far corner 16 minutes after the break to end Sociedad's stubborn resistance.

Sevilla's 100 per cent home record looked to be in danger when they fell behind to a wonderfully struck free-kick from David Beckham.

But in-form Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute equalised soon after with a sharp finish to join Ronaldinho at the top of the scoring charts on 11 goals.

The UEFA Cup holders then claimed a deserved victory when substitute Ernesto Chevanton hooked a spectacular overhead kick into the bottom corner after a free-kick 13 minutes from time.

Barca, who travelled to Japan yesterday to take part in the Club World Cup, lead the table on 33 points from 14 games, Sevilla move up to second on 31, while Real are a further two back on 29.

"We are delighted with the win and an important three points," goalkeeper Victor Valdes told Barca TV. "We are leaders and have now got a great tournament ahead of us."