LaLiga Table 2016 Week 3: Updated Standings Following Friday's Results

Willian Jose's header rescued a point for Real Sociedad by ensuring a 1-1 draw at home to Espanyol at Anoeta on Friday. The Brazilian striker hit back after Pablo Piatti had given the Catalan club the lead just after the hour mark with a fine strike.

The stalemate keeps both teams near or inside the top 10, with Real Sociedad on the doorstep of the UEFA Europa League places. It's come ahead of a big weekend in Spain's top flight when title contenders Barcelona and Real Madrid will both be expected to win at home on Saturday.

Here's what the standings look like after Friday's action:

Position	Club	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Goal Difference	Points
1	Las Palmas	2	2	0	0	6	6
2	Barcelona	2	2	0	0	5	6
3	Real Madrid	2	2	0	0	4	6
4	Sevilla	2	1	1	0	2	4
5	Sporting Gijon	2	1	1	0	1	4
6	Deportivo La Coruna	2	1	1	0	1	4
7	Leganes	2	1	1	0	1	4
8	Real Sociedad	3	1	1	1	-1	4
9	Eibar	2	1	0	1	0	3
10	Malaga	2	0	2	0	0	2
11	Atletico Madrid	2	0	2	0	0	2
12	Villarreal	2	0	2	0	0	2
13	Alaves	2	0	2	0	0	2
14	Espanyol	3	0	2	1	-2	2
15	Osasuna	2	0	1	1	-2	1
16	Granada	2	0	1	1	-4	1
17	Real Betis	2	0	1	1	-4	1
18	Athletic Bilbao	2	0	0	2	-2	0
19	Celta Vigo	2	0	0	2	-2	0
20	Valencia	2	0	0	2	-3	0

Recap

Espanyol fielded a starting XI with plenty of quality in forward areas. In particular, Leo Baptistao was supported by Gerard and Valencia loanee Piatti.

Meanwhile, the home side were reliant on Juanmi for goals and also hoped Asier Illarramendi could dictate passing in the middle. LaLiga tweeted both team's lineups:

Illarramendi looked to release runners from deep early, but it was Ruben Pardo who was probing for the hosts in the final third. Sociedad's midfield was interchanging nicely and connecting with overlapping runners in and around the box, but the visitors remained stubborn for the opening 30 minutes.

Espanyol manager Quique Sanchez Flores was aiming to protect an impressive record against Sociedad:

The first half featured very few chances, but it was a Pardo cross that created Sociedad's best. It came from a header by defender Inigo Martinez and was well saved by Diego Lopez.

Alex Caparros/Getty Images

The break had been kind to Espanyol, who started the second half brightly. Flores seemed to have instructed his players to move the ball quicker—directions they heeded.

Gerard became more involved and the passing was more direct. Getting the ball to their most dangerous players quicker meant Espanyol were soon creating excellent chances.

Still, it took a moment of brilliance from Piatti to open the scoring. He curled a fine shot in from just outside the box. Sky Sports La Liga relayed highlights of the stylish shot:

However, Sociedad rallied well. They exploited the flanks superbly and tormented Espanyol with many pull-backs to create shooting chances. Mikel Oyarzabal and full-back Yuri Berchiche both came close with efforts after connecting with low crosses.

Still, it took an expertly whipped delivery from Joseba Zaldua to give Jose the space to nod home the equaliser.

Losing the lead late is naturally a disappointment for Espanyol, but it's still been a good start under Flores. A Europa League spot would represent an excellent finish, but more craft in midfield is going to be needed to maintain solid form throughout the season.