Soccer-Sociedad dash Getafe's hopes with 3-0 victory
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-10-28 10:17

MADRID, Oct 27 (Reuters) - Getafe's hopes of regaining the leadership of the Primera Liga were dashed on Thursday when they slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Real Sociedad.

Bernd Schuster's side conceded all three goals in a poor first half display and although they improved in the second they were unable to threaten the Basque side's comfortable lead.

Sociedad midfielder Mikel Aranburu opened the scoring with just four minutes on the clock when he completed a neat move by drilling in from 20 metres out.

Turkish forward Nihat Kahveci doubled their lead when he turned in from close range after keeper Luis Garcia was caught stranded off his line.

Xabi Prieto added a third from the penalty spot after the referee had spotted some shirt-tugging on striker Darko Kovacevic.

There was better news for Getafe's city rivals Atletico Madrid who recorded their biggest win of the season, 3-0 at home to Cadiz.

Osasuna, who snatched a last-gasp 3-2 win at home to Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, lead the standings on 18 points from nine games, one clear of Getafe who remain in second spot despite their defeat.

Barcelona are third after Wednesday's 2-0 win over Malaga, level on 16 points with Celta Vigo and Real Sociedad.

Valencia could join Osasuna at the top of the table if they win Thursday's late match at home to Sevilla.

Real Madrid are back in sixth spot, three points adrift of the leaders, after slipping to their second defeat in four days, 3-1 at Deportivo Coruna on Wednesday.