MADRID, Oct 21: Deportivo Coruna pulled three points clear at the top of the Spanish first division on Saturday with a 1-0 home win over Sevilla as Barcelona and Real Betis dropped points.

Diego Tristan struck the only goal after 25 minutes to give Depor 20 points from nine matches, ensuring they will retain the league leadership for at least another week.

Javier Irureta’s side were obviously feeling the effects of their 3-2 Champions League win over Manchester United in midweek, tiring badly in the second half but holding on for the win.

Real Betis moved up to second on 17 points but could manage no better than a 1-1 draw at home to Villarreal.

Barcelona were also held to a 1-1 draw at struggling Malaga, Rivaldo getting the equaliser after Dario Silva had opened the scoring for the home side.

Celta Vigo, who take on Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Sunday, stayed third on 16 points, ahead of Barcelona on goal difference.

Real Sociedad moved off the bottom of the table on Saturday when they secured their first league win of the season, 2-1 at home to Osasuna.

Barcelona missed the chance to stay within a point of the leaders as they were surprisingly held by Malaga.

The home side looked good for their 1-0 lead, which came on 75 minutes when Dely Valdes burst past a flat-footed defence to set up his strike partner Silva.

Rivaldo grabbed the equaliser 90 seconds later, though, with the sole moment of genuine class in a poor game.

The Brazilian forward controlled a header from Patrick Kluivert and chipped Malaga keeper Pedro Contreras to get his side back into the game.