Real Sociedad moved into fourth place within three points of leaders Barcelona with Sunday's victory at Reale Arena.

Loren Moron put Real Betis ahead in the 12th minute, but the hosts equalised with an own-goal by Javi Garcia in the 22nd.

Real Sociedad then took the lead with Willian Jose's goal in the 36th and Portu sealed the victory in the 58th.

It was another good performance by Norway midfielder Martin Odegaard for Real Sociedad, who extended their home unbeaten streak against Real Betis to 16 years.

Betis, who have won only one of their last five games and are yet to win an away match in the league this season, dropped to 18th on the 20-team table.

Meanwhile, Espanyol coach Pablo Machin debuted with a 1-0 loss to Villarreal, the team's third straight loss in the league and fifth consecutive home defeat.

Karl Toko Ekambi scored the winner for Villarreal, who moved to sixth with 14 points.

The result kept their Barcelona hosts second last in the standings with five points from nine matches.

In Galicia, Celta Vigo stayed just outside of the relegation zone after a 2-0 loss at Alaves. They were coming off a win over Athletic Bilbao but had been winless in their previous six matches.

It was the second win in three matches for Alaves, who moved to 14th place.

Barcelona took the league lead with a 3-0 win over Eibar on Saturday, while second-placed Real Madrid lost 1-0 at Mallorca for their first league defeat of the season.

Australian Associated Press