Real Sociedad leapfrogged Valencia to move into fifth place in La Liga after coming from a goal down to win 3-1 at Athletic Bilbao in Friday's Basque derby.

Ibai Gomez put the home side ahead with a stunning volley in the 30th minute before Antoine Griezmann nodded an equalizer for Sociedad four minutes later.

A howler from Bilbao goalkeeper Raul let in Imanol Agirretxe to score in the 67th and Sociedad's Mexican forward Carlos Vela curled in a third for the visitors 14 minutes from time to seal their first victory at the San Mames in more than a decade.

"It's been a long time since we won here but we knew it was possible and we are very pleased," Sociedad captain Xabi Prieto told Marca TV.

"We weren't expecting to be in this position in the table but we want to hold on to it now and continue this very positive run and see if we can qualify for Europe."

Sociedad, the only side to beat league leader Barcelona this season, has 40 points from 25 matches.

Sixth-placed Valencia, on the same points and with a game in hand, can regain fifth spot if it avoids defeat at Real Zaragoza.

The latest reverse for Bilbao, a shadow of the team that reached the final of the Europa League and the Copa del Rey last season, leaves it down in 15th position on 26 points and Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa in serious peril.

Barcelona can pull 15 points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid with a win at home to mid-table Sevilla yesterday.