Angulo's 29th-minute strike put Valencia level on 59 points with Real, but second due to their superior head-to-head record. Real and Valencia closed to within 10 points of leaders Barcelona, who visit Racing Santander on Sunday.

Sociedad's point put them level on 32 with Real Mallorca and Alaves, who both play on Sunday, but they remain in 18th place.

Uruguayan winger Mario Regueiro produced a touch of quality to set up Valencia's goal as he controlled a long ball on the edge of the area, before spinning to lay it off for Angulo to fire home.

Celta, who are sixth, created a number of chances but it was the visitors' striker David Villa who came closest to adding to the score after the break as Valencia dominated.

TON UP FOR RONALDO

Brazil striker Ronaldo scored his 100th goal for Real in the first half to put the home side in front, but Sociedad's impressive Gonzalez pounced on an error by goalkeeper Iker Casillas to equalise after the break as Real faltered

Sociedad, who have the worst away record in the league, were determined to take the game to Madrid and unsettled the home defence early on with a string of teasing crosses before Ronaldo scored in the 25th minute.

Zinedine Zidane picked out the Brazilian on the edge of the area with a low free kick and he fired a first time shot into the far corner for his fourth goal in as many games.

Five minutes later Ronaldo almost had his second when he finished off a swift break by shooting against a post, and then scooping the rebound over an empty net.

CHANCES

Sociedad continued to have chances, however, and Chilean winger Gonzalez stung Casillas's fingers with a rasping free kick just before the break.

In the 62nd minute Casillas fumbled Mikel Alonso's harmless cross and Gonzalez was on hand to poke home the loose ball for the equaliser.

Five minutes earlier Ronaldo had limped off injured to be replaced by Italy striker Antonio Cassano, but Real clearly missed the Brazilian's presence as they chased the winner.

Brazilian forward Robinho led Real's charge near the end but they lacked precision and lost their way when midfielder Guti was sent off four minutes from time.

Real left the pitch to a barrage of whistles from disgruntled home fans.