Barca, who had not won at Sociedad since the 2006/07 season, were outclassed by their bogey team as they succumbed to their third loss of the season. The hosts were an attacking threat throughout the match as Gerardo Martino’s men never really kicked into gear, going down 1-0 on 32 minutes after an Elustondo header deflected off Cameroonian Alex Song into the back of the Barca net. Lionel Messi equalised with a low drive four minutes later, yet went behind nine minutes after the break as Antoine Griezmann finished off a great counter-attacking move from Sociedad.

The Blaugrana were 3-1 down on the hour mark as David Zurutuza zipped in front of a hesitant Victor Valdes to tuck home a Griezmann chip and send the home fans into absolute delirium. Sociedad dominated the rest of the game as Barcelona were unable to find their way back into the match, as their seven-year winless run at the Anoeta Stadium continued.

Real Madrid now have a three-point advantage at the top of the table after their comfortable 3-0 win at home to Ulche. Spanish midfielder Asier Illarramendi gave Los Blancos the lead after controlling a corner and firing in for his first goal of the season as the hosts went into the break 1-0 up.

The Galacticos’ second came on 72 minutes when Welsh winger Gareth Bale picked up the ball in midfield and sent in an unstoppable shot from outside the area to net his 10th league goal for Real, after which Isco added a third to ensure all three points for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Joint La Liga leaders at the start of the weekend Atletico Madrid were no match for a rampant Osasuna side, who put in a dominant display in beating their more-fancied opponents 3-0. First half goals from Alvaro Cejudo, Emiliano Armenteros and Roberto Torres shocked Atletico who now slip down to third place in La Liga, as they prepare to host crosstown rivals Real Madrid on Sunday.

Weekend La Liga results:

Valladolid 1-1 Levante
Real Sociedad 3-1 Barcelona 
Almeria 0-0 Malaga
Celta Vigo 1-1 Getafe
Real Madrid 3-0 Elche
Rayo Vallecano 0-1 Sevilla
Real Betis 0-2 Athletic Bilabao
Valencia 2-1 Granada
Osasuna 3-0 Atletico Madrid