Real Madrid welcomed Real Sociedad to the Bernabeu on Saturday looking to move three points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.
Madrid were two goals ahead inside 20 minutes following strikes from Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, before Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot.
The home side were not finished in the first period, however, with Sami Khedira making it 4-0 at the interval.
Sociedad opened their tally just past the hour mark when Antoine Griezmann found the back of the net, before Ronaldo completed the scoring with a free kick 15 minutes from time.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon! Saturday’s La Liga coverage opens from the Spanish capital as Real Madrid welcome Real Sociedad. Recent meetings between the two sides have produced plenty of excitement and indeed goals. Let’s hope that the trend continues this afternoon. The team news is in from Madrid so let me bring you up to speed.
TEAMS:
REAL MADRID: Lopez; Arbeloa, Varane, Pepe, Carvajal; Khedira, Alonso, Modric; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo
REAL SOCIEDAD: Bravo; C Martinez, Mikel, I Martinez, Angel; Markel, Elustondo, Prieto; Vela, Seferovic, Griezmann
So there we have it. Marcelo, Fabio Coentrao and Sergio Ramos are all unavailable for Real Madrid, therefore Dani Carvajal comes into the side at left-back. Angel di Maria, meanwhile, is on the bench with Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack. Sociedad are without Ruben Pardo, but Antoine Griezmann and Carlos Vela both start in attack.
Madrid currently sit third in the table on 28 points – far from disastrous – but they are three points behind second-place Atletico Madrid and six behind leaders Barcelona. The capital outfit have tasted defeat twice in their first 12 matches, with losses against Atletico and Barca. Victory is imperative this afternoon if they are to challenge for the title this season.
Madrid were in Champions League action in the week as they collected a point in a 2-2 draw with Juventus. That result has put them firmly in control of their group, leaving Carlo Ancelotti with the opportunity to rest players in the final two matches. However, the Italian will be keen to find the correct formula in defence over the last couple of weeks.
Twice in their last two league games, Madrid have led 3-0, only to allow their opponents a way back into the fixture. They collected three points in each – with a 7-3 win over Sevilla followed by a 3-2 win against Rayo Vallecano – but defending has been a concern thus far. They have conceded 16 times in their 12 league matches, which is the same number as Celta Vigo and Elche.
Goals have not been a problem down the other end, however, with 30 in their 12 matches. That is in contrast to Sociedad, who have scored 18 times, but conceded just 12 – keeping five clean sheets in the process. It might look a straightforward task for Madrid this afternoon, but the statistics suggest different.
As mentioned, Sociedad currently sit seventh in the table on 17 points. They have won four times in the league this season, but just once on the road. Like Madrid, Sociedad were also in Champions League action during the week, when they held Manchester United to a goalless draw in Spain. That result will hand them confidence ahead of this match.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make good reading for Sociedad. Madrid have won four of the last five, scoring 17 goals in the process. As mentioned, the corresponding fixture last season ended in a 4-3 home win, but Sociedad claimed a point from Madrid in a 3-3 draw on their own patch in May.
PREDICTION: After a slow start to the season, Sociedad have improved in recent weeks. Meanwhile, in Griezmann, they have one of the in-form players in the league. I expect the away side to score this afternoon, but I cannot see past a home win. In terms of a score prediction - I am going to back 3-1 Madrid.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder three points for the home side would move them three points behind Barcelona. Right, Sociedad get the action underway in the Spanish capital. Let's hope for entertainment.
Full house inside the Bernabeu this afternoon, which is not much of a surprise. It is vital that Madrid keep the pressure on Atletico Madrid and Barcelona with three points. As expected, the home side have taken control of the opening couple of minutes with a period of possession. However, a poor pass from Arbeloa presents Griezmann with the chance to break down the right.
First sign of Bale as Khedira attempts to release the Welshman down the right, but he just loses control at the vital moment. Alonso's threaded pass finds Benzema moments later, but Inigo Martinez is across to clear the danger. Plenty of pressure from Madrid in the opening four minutes as Benzema is just ruled offside following good work from Modric.
Sociedad's first corner of the match arrives as Elustondo drives past Carvajal, only for the defender to clear at the final moment. However, the resulting set piece comes to nothing. Slightly untidy period in the middle of the park, meanwhile, with the referee forced to deal with a number of late challenges.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening eight minutes of football, but Sociedad have come to play there is no question about that. Madrid have scored plenty of goals this season, but conceded plenty as well. A deep free kick from Bergara comes into the Madrid box moments later, but Pepe is on hand to clear the danger under pressure from Vela.
CROSSBAR! The first real chance arrives after 11 minutes as Ronaldo creates some space outside the box before attempting to find the top corner, but his effort smashes off the top of the crossbar. Sociedad have been warned. Just a few signs that the home side are starting to dominate proceedings.
The pressure continues from the home side as Alonso's deep free kick threatens Bravo, but the Sociedad goalkeeper manages to tip over the crossbar. The resulting corner is whipped into the area by Bale, but Inigo Martinez manages to clear. You just get the feeling that Sociedad need to get through the opening 20 minutes or so in the Bernabeu.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Real Sociedad (Ronaldo)
Stunning, just stunning from Ronaldo. Benzema's cross finds the Portuguese inside the box. He takes one touch to set, before releasing an unstoppable effort into the bottom corner. The technique is involved is just another level.
Another half-chance for Ronaldo as the Portuguese finds some space outside the box before attempting to find the top corner, but Bravo makes the save. Bale finds Ronaldo less than 30 seconds later, but once more his effort is into the arms of the Sociedad goalkeeper. One-way traffic with 15 minutes on the clock.
Another half-chance for the home side as Bale meets a cross from Arbeloa, but his header is just wide of the post. Ronaldo attempts to turn it back into the box, but a goal kick is awarded. Not too much for the away supporters to get excited about, however, with Madrid in total control. A second at this stage would make it very difficult for Sociedad to respond.
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Real Sociedad (Benzema)
Real Madrid score their second of the afternoon as Ronaldo drives down the left before finding Benzema, who arrows a low effort into the bottom corner. Again it is different class from Ronaldo. It is not going according to plan for Sociedad.
Madrid look like scoring every time they attack at the moment. If it isn't Ronaldo, it is Bale or Benzema. How on earth can Sociedad respond? They have players that can hurt the home side, but they just cannot get the ball. Utter domination from Madrid with 21 minutes on the clock. This could get very nasty for the away side.
The pressure continues from the home side as Alonso whips a free kick into the box, but Ronaldo cannot make contact under pressure from Inigo Martinez. The home supporters are in wonderful voice this afternoon, which is reflecting the performance of the players. Carlo Ancelotti looks content with what he is seeing as he parades the touchline.
Rare opportunity for Sociedad to threaten from a free kick, but Pepe clears before the home side launch a counter. It is led by Bale, who cuts inside two defenders before finding Modric, but Arbeloa on the overlap had just moved into an offside position. Madrid might have their troubles in defence, but they are devastating in attack. Still 2-0 with 26 minutes on the clock.
PENALTY TO REAL MADRID!
GOAL! Real Madrid 3-0 Real Sociedad (Ronaldo, pen)
Ronaldo has his second and Real Madrid have their third as the Portuguese converts from the penalty spot. Slightly harsh decision on Bergara, who is penalised for handball inside the box, but the referee was in no doubt.
Opportunity for Sociedad to threaten as Pepe fells Vela just outside the box, with the Portuguese gaining a yellow card in the process. The resulting set piece is taken by Griezmann, but his effort smashes straight into the wall. Madrid are on the counter moments later, but Inigo Martinez manages to clear a deep cross from Ronaldo.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bale to make it 4-0 as the Welshman finds some space inside the box, but he can only smash his effort into the side netting. Who would back against the Welshman notching this afternoon? Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in the Spanish capital.
Sociedad counter with Griezmann as the Frenchman beats two defenders before drilling a cross into the box, but Diego Lopez is on hand to make the save. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Alonso slides a pass towards Ronaldo, but Carlos Martinez is across to make the challenge. Sociedad really need to score the next goal if they are to launch a comeback.
Arbeloa gets in on the act moments later as he drives forward from defence before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Bravo is across to make a fine save. Carlos Martinez's cross causes problems in the Madrid box moments later, but Jose Angel clears the danger. End-to-end football with 37 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Real Madrid 4-0 Real Sociedad (Khedira)
Real Madrid score their fourth of the match as Carvajal finds Khedira outside the box. The German international takes one touch before stroking his effort into the back of the net. Devastating from the home side.
What on earth can be said about what is happening here? Sociedad have not been particularly bad, but have been blown away in the first period. Surely more goals will arrive with the way that the home side are attacking. Alonso looks for the run of Benzema moments later, but this time Inigo Martinez makes the challenge.
Slight problem for Sociedad forward Seferovic as he receives treatment on the sidelines. Although I am not sure when he would have picked up the injury as he has not been involved. Madrid break forward with Benzema moments later, but his low cross is into the arms of Bravo. Little over three minutes of the first period remaining in the Spanish capital.
Sociedad cannot wait for the half-time whistle as the pressure continues from the home side. This score could be anything that Madrid want it to be. Sociedad have been in good form in recent weeks, but have been blown away here. Ronaldo wants another penalty moments later as he dances into the box, but the referee is not interested despite a late challenge from Angel.
CHANCE! Another chance for Ronaldo in the latter stages of the first period as the Portuguese meets a cross from Arbeloa, but his header is straight into the arms of Bravo. It could have been five or six in the first period.
HALF TIME: Real Madrid 4-0 Real Sociedad
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Madrid leading 4-0. The home side were 2-0 ahead inside 20 minutes following goals from Ronaldo and Benzema, before Ronaldo scored his second from the penalty spot. The scoring was not finished, however, as Khedira made it four before the interval.
STATISTICS: Real Madrid have dominated the possession with 65%, while they have had nine attempts to Sociedad's zero. You are not hearing or indeed reading things - Sociedad have not had a single attempt in the first period. It has been just about as one-sided as you could possibly imagine at this level of football.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Alvaro Morata, Jese Rodriguez, Angel di Maria and Isco. Meanwhile, Sociedad also have options in the shape of Castro, Agirretxe and Zurtuza. It would not be a surprise to see changes at the interval.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. Just a reminder that three points for Real Madrid would move them three points behind leaders Barcelona ahead of the Catalan outfit's clash with Real Betis tomorrow. Right, Madrid get the second 45 minutes underway in the Spanish capital.
One change for Sociedad at the interval with De la Bella replacing Seferovic, who struggled with injury in the latter stages of the first period. The final score this afternoon will depend on Madrid's intensity. If they continue to force the issue, it could be double six or seven. Fairly low-key start to the second period in the Bernabeu.
Nervous moment inside the Madrid box as Griezmann finds some space down the right before delivering a dangerous cross towards Vela, but Pepe manages to clear at the vital moment. The resulting corner also causes problems inside the Madrid box, but Lopez comes to claim under pressure from Inigo Martinez. Better from Sociedad.
Another half-chance for the away side as Vela finds some space outside the box before attempting to bend one into the far corner, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Madrid are down the other end with Bale moments later, but his cross is straight into the arms of Bravo. Sociedad have started the second period the better.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of challenges from both sides. Benzema takes one in the face from Carlos Martinez, but the official does not award a card. Arbeloa does receive a card, however, as the Real Madrid defender fells Carlos Martinez inside the Sociedad half.
Not too much to report in terms of chances at the moment as Sociedad continue to defend deeper, which is leaving less room for Madrid to attack. Ronaldo does have a half-chance as he curls one from the edge of the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
It would not be a surprise if both managers were thinking about changes as the second period continues to gather pace. There is no question that Madrid's level has dropped in the second half, while Sociedad have certainly improved. However, I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals in Madrid.
Indeed Sociedad do make a change as the injured Carlos Martinez is replaced by Jon Ansotegi. Not the change that the away side would have wanted to make, but needs must. The away side break down the other end moments later with Vela, but the Mexican is fouled by Alonso. Still we await the first real chance of the second period.
GOAL! Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad (Griezmann)
Sociedad open their tally for the afternoon as Griezmann beats the offside trap before lifting his effort over Lopez. Wonderful finish. Moments before, the Frenchman should have had a penalty as he went down in the box under a challenge from Lopez, but the referee was not interested.
Suddenly everyone in a Sociedad shirt wants the ball as they continue to force the issue in the final third. Madrid remain a threat on the counter with the likes of Bale and Ronaldo, but Benzema has struggled to keep the ball in the second period. Another Sociedad goal would make things very interesting.
Griezmann remains a threat for the away side as he collects possession outside the box before finding Vela, but the Mexican cannot return the favour under pressure from Arbeloa. Madrid are all over the place at the back at the moment, but the damage to Sociedad had been done in the first period.
Another half-chance for Madrid as Modric finds some space outside the box before attempting to find the top corner, but Bravo is across to make a fine save. The pressure continues from the home side as Bale drives down the right, but his cross is straight into the arms of the Sociedad goalkeeper.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Griezmann as the Frenchman beats the offside trap, but he can only turn wide of the post from close range. What an opportunity. Moments later, the home side look to their bench for the first time as Illarramendi replaces Alonso.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but the end-to-end pressure remains. This match as a contest is over, but Sociedad have improved in the second period and that will hand them confidence in the months ahead. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid have just turned up the pressure in the last couple of moments with Benzema seeing more of the ball in the final third. The Frenchman creates some space outside the box before attempting to find Ronaldo, but Mikel fells the Portuguese at the vital moment.
GOAL! Real Madrid 5-1 Real Sociedad (Ronaldo)
Stunning, just stunning. Ronaldo scores his third as he thumps a free kick into the top corner. Unstoppable. Madrid make a change moments later as Isco replaces Khedira. Not a bad sub to have!
Real Madrid have not been at their best for long periods of this match, but they lead 5-1. What on earth does that say about them as a team? Well it helps that they have the best player in the world in their team. In fairness to Sociedad, they are attempting to play their football in the final third.
The home side continue to force the issue in the latter stages with Benzema and Isco both having efforts from outside the box, but neither comes close to testing Bravo in the Sociedad goal. It would not be a surprise to see more goals in the latter stages as space continues to arrive in the middle of the park.
Another half-chance for the home side as Benzema finds some space outside the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but his effort just moves wide of the post. That proves to be the final piece of action for the Frenchman as youngster Alvaro Morata, who is very popular with the home supporters, is introduced.
Good pressure from Sociedad in the latter stages as Griezmann finds some space inside the box before attempting to curl one towards Vela, but the Mexican cannot make contact. Griezmann tries to head one towards goal moments later, but his effort loops high and wide of the crossbar.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Vela to score Sociedad's second in the latter stages, but his effort just moves wide of the far post. You have to hand it to Sociedad, they have not retreated into their shell in the second period.
CHANCE! The best chance of the match falls to Morata as Ronaldo puts it on a plate for the Spanish striker, but somehow he fires wide from in front of an open goal. Sensational miss from the Spaniard.
FULL TIME: Real Madrid 5-1 Real Sociedad
So there we have it. Madrid move to within three points of Barcelona with a 5-1 win over Sociedad. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us again at 6.30pm for more La Liga football. Until then!
