A second-half strike from Alberto de la Bella proved the decisive goal as Real Sociedad saw off Sevilla in tonight's La Liga clash.

The visitors had the better of the earlier possession, but fell behind when Carlos Vela fired home after being lined up by Antoine Griezmann.

Michel Gonzalez's side continued to dominate possession with chances falling to Gary Medel and Geoffrey Kondogbia, neither of whom hit the target.

Sociedad defended well and almost nicked a second when just before the half-hour mark Ruben Pardo forced a decent save out of visiting goalkeeper Zubikarai.

Sevilla found themselves on the backfoot for long periods in the second half, but they drew level on 49 minutes through Medel, who fired Jesus Navas's pass into the bottom corner.

The home side regained the lead in the 69th minute when De la Bella netted from close range after Carlos Martinez played him in with a pinpoint pass.

Sociedad defended deeply after going back in front, but the visitors almost found a way through in the 87th minute when Claudio Bravo pulled off a reaction save to keep out Alvaro Negredo.

There was still time for Imanol Agirretxe to test Zubikarai one final time before the whistle, but two goals proved enough to secure three points for Sociedad in the end.