San Sebastian (Spain), Apr 11 (IANS): Real Sociedad regained sixth-place in La Liga with a 3-1 victory over relegation-bound Sporting here.

The hosts on Monday came out determined to erase the bad impression left by recent poor performances at the Anoeta that damaged Sociedad's prospects of playing in the Europa League next season, reports Efe.

Sociedad needed only nine minutes to draw first blood as William Jose exploited the latest in a long line of poor clearances by the Sporting defense to put the home side up 1-0.

Seconds later, Juanmi thought he had made it 2-0 for Sociedad, but the goal was disallowed for an offside.

The 2-0 came in the 26th minute when Juanmi converted with a major assist from Xabi Prieto.

Sociedad kept up the pressure in the second half, pinning the visitors in their own end for long stretches.

Yuri delivered a great goal in the 77th minute to seal the win for Sociedad, though Elderson managed to salvage some honour for Sporting with a tally in the 86th.

With 52 points from 31 matches, Sociedad are two points behind fifth-place Villarreal and the same number ahead of Eibar in seventh.

Sporting, with 22 points, remain five points from safety.