Frederic Kanoute struck a brace as Sevilla twice battled back from a losing position to defeat Real Sociedad 3-2 and continue their recent revival.

Sociedad took the lead through Diego Rivas and, although Kanoute drew Sevilla level almost immediately, the home side restored their advantage just before half-time when Joseba Llorente netted. The 62nd-minute introduction of Alvaro Negredo proved an inspired one by Sevilla coach Gregorio Manzano though, as within three minutes of his arrival the Spain international not only helped set up an equaliser for Luis Fabiano but also did likewise for Kanoute's winner.

The victory means Sevilla have now won four successive league and cup matches, having previously lost six of seven games while drawing the other. While Sevilla climb back up the standings, promoted Sociedad continue falling in the opposite direction having now lost four games on the trot.

It looked like being a better night for Martin Lasarte's side when they took the lead in the 24th minute through Rivas, who picked up Mikel Gonzalez's lay-back on the edge of the area before side-footing a low shot beyond Andres Palop and just inside the far post.

Sevilla needed just a minute to draw level, though, with Diego Perotti's deep corner headed back by Luis Fabiano to Kanoute, who volleyed past Claudio Bravo from 12 yards out. Despite that setback, Sociedad still managed to get into the break with their noses in front thanks to a route-one goal in the 43rd minute.

The Sevilla defence looked favourites to deal with Daniel Estrada's long punt forward, but Llorente shouldered Julien Escude off the ball before firing a first-time shot past Palop from outside the box after the Sevilla goalkeeper had ventured off his line.

Two minute turnaround
Sevilla's winning run looked in danger at the point, especially as they probably should have been further adrift with David Zurutuza failing to make the most of his free header, but the visitors bounced back in the second half.

Kanoute was denied by Bravo in the 53rd minute before the Andalusians drew level 10 minutes later when Perotti's corner found its way through to Negredo at the far post, and his deflected shot - which might have gone in itself - was poked in from point-blank range by Luis Fabiano.

Two minutes after that and Sevilla were celebrating again. Kanoute started and ended the move, robbing Sociedad of possession on the half-line and then, as team-mates Luis Fabiano and Negredo took up the attack, racing into the area to pick up Negredo's pass in space before slotting a shot in off the near post for his eight league goal of the season.