[goldenHuddlestone]

A late goal from leading striker Frederic Kanoute earned Sevilla a 2-1 comeback win at Deportivo Coruna that put them right back in the hunt for the league title on Sunday.

Sevilla looked to be suffering the after-effects of their successful defence of the UEFA Cup in midweek when they fell behind in the 72nd minute, striker Rodolfo Bodipo finishing off a neat move with a fine volley.

But the Andalucians produced a late surge to claim a vital victory, Brazilian midfielder Renato heading home from a free kick and Kanoute steering into the open net after a fine pass from Jesus Navas six minutes from time.

The win meant that Sevilla took provisional top spot in the Primera Liga, one point ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona who were both playing later on Sunday.

Espanyol, who lost to Sevilla on penalties in Wednesday's UEFA Cup final at Hampden, paid the price for their exertions as they slumped to a 5-1 defeat at home to Bernd Schuster's Getafe.

At the other end of the table Real Sociedad's hopes of avoiding relegation received a major boost with a 3-1 comeback win over fellow strugglers Celta Vigo who have now slipped to five consecutive defeats.

Sociedad are now just one point behind fellow Basque side Athletic Bilbao who occupy the last place above the relegation zone.