Sociedad, bidding to stretch their lead at the top to three points, went ahead through Xabi Alonso on 35 minutes but an Anthony Reveillere strike levelled the score almost immediately and eventually proved enough to give outgoing champions Valencia a point.

The result restored Sociedad's one-point lead over Real Madrid, who were also held to a home draw, 1-1 against Celta Vigo on Saturday.

After 36 games, Sociedad lead the standings on 73 points, followed by Real Madrid on 72.

Deportivo kept their faint title hopes alive with a 3-2 win at home to Atletico Madrid that kept them in third place on 69 points.

Celta hold on to the fourth Champions League place, a point ahead of defending champions Valencia in fifth.

While the championship battle is likely to go down to the wire, the relegation places were resolved on Sunday, with Rayo Vallecano, Recreativo Huelva and Alaves losing their first division status.

In the race for the final UEFA Cup place on offer, victories for Sevilla and Barcelona put increased pressure on Athletic Bilbao, who are now holding on to sixth place by just two points after a 1-1 draw at Villarreal.

Real Madrid's setback at home to Celta Vigo on Saturday left Sociedad the chance to move three points clear with just six points left to play for.

After the exchange of goals late in the first half, Sociedad took complete control when Roberto Ayala was sent off after 57 minutes for a handball that earned him a second yellow card.

The home side had most of the possession and all the chances after that but Valencia managed to hold on to leave everything still to play for at the top.

Deportivo do still have a chance of landing the title after winning a thriller against Atletico.

Javier Irureta's side were reduced to 10 men after six minutes but they twice came from behind and snatched a late winner through Juan Carlos Valeron.

At the other end of the table, a 2-0 victory for Osasuna at Valladolid sealed the fate of Rayo, Alaves and Recreativo Huelva.

Both Rayo and Alaves went into the 36th round of matches needing victory, plus a favour from Valladolid, to stand a chance of playing first division football next term.

In the end, neither side of the equation worked out.

While goals from Cesar Palacios and Valdo were taking Osasuna to victory, Rayo were drawing 1-1 away to Real Mallorca and Alaves were going down 1-0 at home to Real Betis.

Recreativo did have the chance to live to fight another day but they went down 1-0 at Sevilla to fill the third and final relegation slot and make an immediate return to the second division.

One of the sides to move in the opposite direction will be Murcia, who beat Levante 1-0 on Sunday to make sure of finishing in the top three in division two.