Real Madrid have stretched their lead at the top of La Liga, after they recovered from a shaky start to beat Real Sociedad 4-1.

Sociedad made the perfect start as Aritz Elustondo headed home a Pardo corner after just one minute, but their lead didn't last long as James Rodriguez headed a Marcelo cross into the back of the net just two minutes later.

Both teams went close shortly after, as Sergio Canales fired just over from long range and Madrid's Karim Benzema forced Rulli into a fine save to stop his shot going into the far corner.

Sergio Ramos gave the home side the lead shortly before the break, as he converted the rebound after Rulli made a save from Benzema's shot, before Gareth Bale missed a chance to give his side a two-goal cushion at the break as he hit an effort wide from inside the box.

Benzema, who looked a threat all afternoon, scored Madrid's third in the 52nd minute as he tapped the ball in after Bale neatly set him up.

Isco and Benzema went close to a fourth for the hosts, before Benzema curled a long-range effort into the top corner to ensure victory.

Madrid now have a four-point lead over Barcelona in the table.