Valery Karpin scored in the 64th minute yesterday as Real Sociedad downed Real Madrid 1-0, allowing Valencia to keep hold of first place in the Spanish league at the season’s halfway mark. Madrid, which missed the injured David Beckham, gave an off-key display on its way to its first defeat in eight matches and only its third of the season. Earlier, Valencia topped Albacete 1-0.After 19 games, Valencia has 43 points, while Madrid stays second with 42. Deportivo La Coruna, which plays today, is next with 36 points, followed by Osasuna and Atletico Madrid with 28 each. Also yesterday, striker Savo Milosevic and midfielder Peter Luccin netted late goals as Celta Vigo topped Mallorca 4-2.Madrid, struggled against a team that beat the defending champions at home for the third straight season.
