Striker Nihat Kahveci, back after serving a one-match suspension, was in superb form netting two goals.

The Turkey-born goal ace, who has yet to renew his contract with the club, earned Real a point with his second, deep into second half stoppage time. It was his side's first point in six games.

Despite the draw Sociedad remain in 15th place but the result did little to satisfy Valencia who lag well behind Real Madrid in third spot.

Nihat was in action as early as the third minute, making a run down the left, and crossing the ball into the area.

But strike partner Darko Kovacevic didn't get to it in time and missed the connection by inches.

Valencia took an eighth minute lead against the run of play with a goal by Marco Di Vaio who received the ball on the edge of the box and hit a low shot across the goal to beat Asier Riesgo.

Valenica keeper Santiago Canizares was in action in the 14th minute, saving well from Mikel Alonso.

Sociedad stayed on the attack and a left-foot shot by Mikel Labaka was well saved by Canizares.

The home side forced the pace and almost levelled in the 19th minute with a header by Luiz Alberto Da Silva from a corner.

Valencia's defence had to be at their best in the 24th minute to keep out a Nihat right foot volley after a pass by Mikel Aranburu.

Kovacevic was put through by Xabi Prieto shortly after, but Canizares spotted the danger early.

In the 31st minute, Karpin put Prieto away down the right.

He ran into the area and tried to pass to Kovacevic but David Navarro got in the way and sent it out for a corner.

Six minutes later and Luis Alberto almost scored for Sociedad with his nose but the ball flew over the bar.

Sociedad finally found the equaliser they had been pushing for in first half stoppage time.

Nihat scored with a fine volley, set up by Karpin from the right.

Nihat was in the thick of the action seven minutes into the second half, receiving a pass from Kovacevic but the chance was cleared away.

The 62nd minute saw Francisco Xisco close with a right-foot shot after a fine peice of individual play.

Riesgo made another good save in the 70th minute from Ruben Baraja after a pass by Marco Caneira.

Sociedad took the lead in the 79th minute with a left-foot shot by Mikel Aranburu after Nihat's previous attempt rebounded off a post.

Four minutes later and it was 2-2. Baraja headed home the Valencia equaliser from a free kick by Pablo Aimar.

Valencia then took the lead in the 89th minute through Xisco who chipped in from the corner of the penalty area into the top corner.

A minute later and Sociedad equalised, for the third time in the match.

Nihat scored with his second goal of the match from the right after a fine pass by Karpin.