Spanish La Liga
Result: Real 4-1 Sociedad
Date: 31 January 2015
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu
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Despite an early setback, Real Madrid strolled past Real Sociedad 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
David Moyes's charges made the perfect start to the clash as they took the lead in the very first minute. A corner kick beat Sergio Ramos in the air and found Aritz Elustondo at the far post where he tucked it home.
However, the visitors' joy was short-lived. Los Merengues were back on level terms in the third minute. Marcelo sent an inviting cross into the area and James Rodriguez was on hand to thump a powerful header high into the net to make it 1-1.
Marcelo caused havoc for Sociedad on the wing and bent in another top cross in the 37th minute that found Karim Benzema at the far post. The Frenchman's strike was saved but only as far as Ramos, who made no mistake from close range.
The lead was extended to two goals in the 52nd minute as Benzema added Real Madrid's third of the day. A clever one-two with Gareth Bale concluded with Benzema placing his shot into the back of the net.
Sociedad's perfect start was a distant memory in the 76th minute as Benzema secured the victory and completed his brace for the hosts. Smart interplay between Benzema and Isco was finished by the former, who rifled a ferocious shot into the top corner of the goal from the opposite side of the Sociedad box.