Real Sociedad s Norwegian forward Alexander Sorloth celebrates after scoring his team s first goal during the Spanish league football match between Rayo Vallecano de Madrid and Real Sociedad at the Vallecas stadium in Madrid on January 21, 2023. AFP
Imanol Alguacil's side pulled level with second place Real Madrid on 38 points, three behind leaders Barcelona, although the top two have played two fewer games.
Real also moved 10 points clear of fourth placed Atletico Madrid, who welcome Real Valladolid later Saturday.
The visitors opened the scoring at Vallecas after 15 minutes when veteran playmaker David Silva set up Norwegian striker Sorloth, who prodded home.
The striker now has five goals in his last five league games for the club, helping drive La Real into the upper echelons of the table.
Without key midfielders Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi, injured and suspended respectively, Real Sociedad weren't at their best but did well to ward off Rayo's attacks.
Ander Barrenetxea doubled the Basque side's lead in the 36th minute with a tidy finish when a flicked-on corner found its way through to him at the back post.
It was the 21-year-old forward's first start since a severe hamstring injury in January 2022.
Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro made an excellent save to keep out Florian Lejeune's header after the break.
Alguacil's men did well in the second half to maintain their lead without much fuss, securing their fifth consecutive league win.
Barcelona host Getafe on Sunday while Real Madrid travel to face Athletic Bilbao, among other games.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: