Darko Kovacevic scores twice against Barcelona

Kovacevic fights for the ball with Michael Reiziger

Madrid, SPAIN, December 1 - Yugoslav striker Darko Kovacevic netted two goals Sunday as an impressive Real Sociedad beat FC Barcelona 2-1, keeping the Basque team at the top of the Spanish league standings for the seventh straight week.

After the home side had dominated the match but spurned a host of chances, Barcelona took the lead with its first shot on goal.

Dutch international Patrick Kluivert's long-range effort in the 33rd minute rebounded off the post and then hit the outstretched Sander Westerveld before entering the net.

Seven minutes later, Kovacevic gave the home side a deserved equalizer with a header from Xabi Alonso's free kick.

In the 53rd minute, the Yugoslav took advantage of successive errors by midfielder Xavi Hernandez and defender Fernando Navarro to chip home the winning goal, his ninth of the season.

Barcelona's woes were compounded when Brazilian midfielder Motta was sent off in the 76th minute for insulting the referee and substitute Overmars received a second yellow card in injury time.