Real Madrid remain in contention with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga title race after earning an emphatic victory at Real Sociedad, with a brilliant performance from Gareth Bale.
Los Blancos were out of sorts in the first half, as the hosts defended diligently and fashioned the best scoring chances. Yet, Carlo Ancelotti men managed to take the lead in the last minute before half-time in their only chance until then.
It was a good play from Karim Benzema, who latched on to a pass before cutting inside and drilling a powerful effort towards goal. Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo reacted well to make the save, but he parried it straight to Asier Illarramendi, who sent the ball into the back of the net.
The Basque scored his first goal at the stadium where he grew up, although he didn’t celebrate it.
The second half was all about Madrid. After a few chances missed, Bale pounced on an error from Bravo to make it 2-0. The Chilean’s poor kick was seized by the Welshman some 35 metres out, and he arrowed an effort into the corner.
Pepe added a third in a corner kick. Sergio Ramos flicked the ball towards the Portuguese, who executed a fine first time finish into the back of the net.
With only two minutes left on the clock, Alvaro Morata made it 0-4 after combining with Angel di Maria, who laid in a magnificent pass for the youngster. Morata had the time and space to pick out his spot in the bottom corner.
Los Merengues remain three points behind leader Atletico and two points behind Barcelona, but they have already played the trickiest matches they had left.
