Real Sociedad up to sixth with win over struggling Sporting Gijon

Real Sociedad remained on course for European qualification after seeing off struggling Sporting Gijon 3-1.

The hosts went ahead after only three minutes through Willian Jose's header and Juanmi doubled the lead in the 27th minute.

Yuri Berchiche added a third 13 minutes from time as Sociedad climbed to sixth and left their third-bottom opponents still five points off safety.

Elderson Echiejile grabbed a late consolation for the visitors, but it was far too little too late.

Sociedad made an ideal start when an unmarked Willian Jose met a right-wing cross with a back-post header. Goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar managed to claw the ball away, but it had clearly crossed the line.

Juanmi made it two, instantly controlling a lobbed ball into the area before cutting inside from the left of the area to make space for a shot and then wrong-footing Cuellar to score low inside the near post

The result already looked beyond doubt, but Berchiche made sure of the three points for the hosts.

Played in down the left of the area, he scored with a first-time side-foot finish with his left foot.

Echiejile's curling finish in the 87th minute at the other end was little consolation for Sporting.