La Liga round-up

Real Madrid moved to within two points of leaders Barcelona with a 2-1 win over fellow title hopefuls Valencia at El Santiago Bernabeu.

Ruud van Nistelrooy fired Real in front on 18 minutes with a sublime volley from Miguel Torres's cross.

Former Real favourite Fernando Morientes came back to haunt his old club when he converted from Joaquin's cross to draw Valencia level on 52 minutes.

David Beckham made his return to action on 66 minutes after seven weeks out through injury and the former England captain created the second goal for Real 17 minutes from time when his free-kick was headed home by Sergio Ramos.

Real Sociedad boosted their survival hopes with a 2-0 victory over nine-man Atletico Madrid.

Darko Kovacevic gave Sociedad the ideal start with the opener after just seven minutes.

Atletico suffered a blow on 71 minutes when Peter Luccin was sent-off and things got worse for the visitors when Fabiano Eller was dismissed 11 minutes later.

Sociedad made their numerical advantage count six minutes from time when Savio volleyed home to seal the win for the home side.

The win leaves three points adrift of safety as they look to climb out of trouble at the wrong end of the table.

Click on fixture for full match summary
Real Madrid 2-1 Valencia
Real Sociedad 2-0 Atletico Madrid