Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for tonight's La Liga encounter between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid. Both sides are in need of three points for different reasons, so we should have an entertaining encounter on our hands. Let's start with a look at the hosts...

Sociedad's hopes of reaching the Champions League for a second consecutive season are very much alive, and victory against the likes of Real Madrid will only serve to add to their belief that they can catch fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao. Six points currently separate the two teams, while Sevilla are also very much in the mix, sitting level on 50 points with Sociedad.

One of Sociedad's biggest problems this season has been their defensive record. They have conceded 44 goals already this season, which is 10 more than Bilbao and among the worst in the top 13 of the table. If they are to catch their Basque rivals in the final Champions League place then it is likely to be a tight finish, meaning that goal difference could come into play.

To make a late charge for the top four, Sociedad will need to improve their consistency on the final straight. They have won two, lost two and drawn one of their last five matches, allowing Sevilla to overtake them in the table and in the race for fourth place.

At home, however, it is a different story. Sociedad have established themselves as a very tough team to beat at the Anoeta, losing just two of their last 29 home games in La Liga - a run that stretches all the way back to November 2012. Barcelona were beaten 3-1 here in February, while Bilbao have also come away from here with nothing this season. Indeed, they have won nine of their last 11 La Liga encounters in front of their own fans and kept a clean sheet in five of their last seven.

Madrid pose a very different test to the majority of teams in La Liga, however, and Carlo Ancelotti's side have already dispatched of Sociedad once this season, thrashing them 5-1 in November. Cristiano Ronaldo got a hat-trick for Madrid in that match, but he is a high-profile absentee for them this evening after picking up an injury in the midweek win over Dortmund in the Champions League.

That 3-0 victory over Dortmund not only saw Madrid put one foot in the Champions League semis, but it also continued their recovery from two costly setbacks last month. A 4-3 defeat in a dramatic El Clasico was followed by a shock loss at the hands of Sevilla, putting Madrid at a disadvantage in the title race that, for once, sees three teams involved in the closing stages. A 5-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano last weekend was the perfect way to respond, and another win today would continue to build their confidence back up.

The pressure is firmly on Madrid, however. Atletico have already won today, while Barcelona are leading Real Betis 2-1 in their match. Should that result stay the same, Ancelotti's men would be six points behind their city rivals and five behind Barca. Anything less than a win for Madrid in that scenario could well signal the end of their title challenge this season.

As with Sociedad, it may be Madrid's defence that comes back to haunt them in the race for the title. In terms of goalscoring, only Barcelona can better them this season, but Carlo Ancelotti's side have conceded seven more than Barca and 10 more than Atletico. In such a tight tile race, goal difference could be key, and at the moment Barcelona have the advantage on that front.

They are generally good on the road, however. The recent away defeat to Sevilla was their first in 11 matches, while they have only lost twice on their travels in their last 23. They also have a very good record against Sociedad having won nine of the last 10 meetings, scoring at least three goals in their last four.

TEAM NEWS: The big team news, as I have already mentioned, is that Cristiano Ronaldo is out for Madrid. With Di Maria also only fit for a place on the bench, Isco retains his starting spot alongside side Bale and Benzema in the front three. Full team news for both sides coming up...

SOCIEDAD STARTING XI: Bravo; Gonzalez, C Martinez, Angel, I Martinez; Elustondo, Zurutuza, Bergara; Vela, Canales, Greizmann

MADRID STARTING XI: Lopez; Ramos, Pepe, Nacho, Carvajal; Alonso, Modric, Illarramendi; Bale, Isco, Benzema

PREDICTION: This is a real test for Madrid today. Sociedad are a very tricky team to beat at home and, without the talismanic Ronaldo, the visitors could well come unstuck tonight. However, it is a must-win game for them and they have plenty of experience pulling results out of the bag when they need to. I'll go for a 3-2 away victory.

Confirmation that Barcelona have beaten Real Betis, with Lionel Messi scoring twice in a 3-1 win that puts Barca back just one point behind Atletico. It is all eyes on Madrid now. They simply have to win to remain in the title race because it is highly unlikely that Atletico and Barca will drop many points in the closing stages of the campaign.

Madrid will be in no doubt how tricky this match will be, particularly having been held to a 3-3 draw in the same fixture last season. They were also without Ronaldo on that occasion, while their goalscorers (Higuain, Callejon and Khedira) have all either now left the club or are injured.

By the same token, this is also a huge game for Real Sociedad. Defeat could see them all but out of the race for a top four spot, so they will be just as desperate as Madrid to pick up all three points.

KICKOFF: Madrid get us underway in their luminous orange away kit for a huge match for both sides. There is no Ronaldo but no room for error for Madrid, who simply have to win to stay in the title race.

The home fans are looking to make this a hostile environment early on, whistling whenever Madrid get possession of the ball. It certainly is one of the toughest grounds to visit in the league, and the fans play their part in that.

The hosts come forward early on as Vela looks to get on to a clever pass down the left channel, but Ramos makes a good block. From the resulting corner, Vela has space in the box but is quickly closed down as Madrid clear the danger.

This has been a really bright start from the hosts to this match. They have had an early penalty shout as Vela's shot from that corner bounced up onto an arm, but Xabi Alonso could do nothing about it and it would have been an incredibly harsh spot kick. Sociedad are on top in these early stages, though.

Matches between these two sides usually yield a bagful of goals, and it is clear to see why even from these early stages. Both teams are very attack-minded and it is quite an open game at moment, despite the lack of chances so far.

Half a chance for the hosts as Elustondo ghosts into the box, taking Zurutuza's cross in his stride to create space to shoot. Ramos does well to react quickly and block the danger, but there was a hint of an opening for Sociedad there.

It is a big game for Isco today. He has failed to establish himself as a regular in the first team this season - understandably considering he faces competition from the likes of Bale and Ronaldo - but was superb against Dortmund and a similar performance tonight could see him play a big part in the closing stages of the season.

Speak of the devil, Isco thinks that he has a chance when Benzema clips the ball out to him in acres of space. He cuts inside and takes too many touches before the linesman's flag robs him of the chance to shoot. That was a bad decision from the official, he was clearly onside.

Really good defending from Inigo Martinez as he stretches a long leg out to hook the ball away from danger, with Benzema looking to race through on goal behind him. Had he not reached that, the French striker would have had a one-on-one.

At the other end, Benzema shows why he isn't a defender with come suspect play from a free kick. Instead of clearing the ball, he only served to help it on and into a dangerous area before Pepe was able to hack it clear.

Diego Lopez has just made one of the best saves that you will see this season. Griezmann flicked the ball on at the front post and it was turned goalwards from close range, only for Lopez to dive across his goal and make a spectacular stop. The linesman's flag is raised, but Lopez didn't know that. In fact, the flag was wrongly raised once again. Poor again from the officials.

Pepe strides out of defence and moves to within 35 yards of goal before shooting. His effort flies well over and wide, and Benzema is not happy with his teammate in the middle. That was a waste.

SOCIEDAD SUB: The hosts are forced into an early change as Jose Angel limps off to be replaced by Ion Ansotegi. That is a blow for Sociedad and will require a reshuffle.

Superb defending from Inigo Martinez as he covers for the sbent left-back with Bale looking dangerously. The winger moved the ball onto his right foot before drilling a shot across goal towards the bottom corner, but Martinez made a fine sliding block to deny the Welshman.

Gonzalez does well in defence this time, recovering from losing the ball in a dangerous position to get back and make a challenge on Carvajal to force a corner.

CLOSE! The hosts are a whisker away from taking the lead! Carlos Vela shapes a lovely cross into the box from deep and Griezmann rises well to flick it towards the far corner. Lopez is at full stretch but well beaten as the header whistles narrowly over. Almost a lovely goal.

Sociedad will be delighted with their performance in this match so far. They have been more than a match for the might of Madrid and have come closes through that Griezmann header. The visitors, meanwhile, are yet to carve out a chance and look a little toothless up front without Ronaldo.

Madrid are seeing plenty of the ball and passing it around nicely, but so far they haven't been able to find a way through a well organised and disciplined Sociedad defence.

Bale looks to make a trademark burst through the middle before bring brought down by Bergara, who must be nearing a yellow card now. Madrid now have a free kick in a good shooting position, and you can be sure that Bale will fancy it in Ronaldo's absence.

Bale does indeed hit it, but it comes back off the wall and Sociedad survive. That was a disappointing effort from Bale, who is capable of at least working the keeper from that range.

What a promising opening half an hour it has been for Sociedad. They were the better team in their 3-1 win over Barcelona here in February, and they have been the better team here so far. Can they claim another major scalp?

Still no chances to speak of in terms of a Real Madrid chance as the Sociedad defence remains firm. If they continue to struggle to find a way through, questions must be asked over how much they depend on Ronaldo.

Madrid have a corner that is delivered into a good area by Modric, but Sociedad players are queuing up to clear it before forcing Madrid all the way back to Lopez. The hosts are working extremely hard to limit Madrid's time on the ball here.

Bale has moved out onto the left wing now in an attempt to find a way through, and he almost does exactly that with a delicious cross into the box. It was just too high for Benzema, though, and the French striker was in an offside position anyway.

Bale is released down the left by a terrific defence-splitting pass, but by the time he looks up for support Sociedad have regrouped and clear his eventual low cross into the box. The visitors are trying to get Bale on the ball more often now.

Madrid could be feeling a bit of fatigue from their midweek exploits in the Champions League as Sociedad have looked half a yard sharper so far. They are winning most of the 50/50 challenges and comfortably dealing with Madrid's attacks.

YELLOW CARD! Xabi Alonso becomes the first player to go into the referee's book for a tackle on Vela, who looked to spin past the midfielder. It was clever use of the body from Vela, who bought that card.

SAVE! Good play from Vela as he bursts forward from midfield and into shooting range. His powerful strike is partially blocked by Illarramendi, which makes it easier for Lopez to collect at his front post. That is the first shot on target of the match.

CHANCE! Decent sight of goal for the hosts as a deep free kick causes problems, with Alonso clearing it from right in front of Lopez. He can only get it as far as Griezmann on the edge of the box, but his shot is well blocked by Illarramendi before going out for a corner.

Out of absolutely nothing, Madrid have the lead! It was good play from Benzema as he latched on to a pass before cutting inside and drilling a powerful shot towards goal. Bravo reacts well to make the save, but he parries it straight to Illarramendi, who adjusts quickly to tap the rebound in.

What a cruel end to the half that is for the hosts. They have been the better team in the opening 45 minutes, but Madrid take the lead into the break courtesy of a goal against the run of play in the final minute of the half. It was the first time that the visitors looked like threatening the Sociedad defence, but that clinical nature could prove to be vital.

The goal came from Asier Illarramendi, who found himself in a very advanced position to turn in a rebound from close range against his old club. It was Benzema who had the initial shot, forcing Bravo to parry the ball back into danger with a powerful effort, and Illarramendi was there to tap in. There was no celebration from the midfielder, but it could prove to be a huge goal for Madrid.

With Atletico Madrid and Barcelona both winning earlier, anything less than three points tonight would all but rule Madrid out of the title race. For much of the first half, it did not appear that that would be the case as Madrid struggled to break down the Sociedad defence. However, being able to carve out a win when not at your best is as important to a title challenge as blowing the opposition away.

A huge second half awaits both of these teams, with Madrid knowing that this game is far from over. They were second best in the first half and, if Sociedad can repeat that performance after the break, then there is every chance that they can claw their way back into the game. From the hosts' point of view, they are just as in need of a win as Madrid, with their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread as things stand.

Despite Sociedad being the better team, they also struggled to create a clear chance in the first half. The closest they came was through Greizmann's flicked header from a Vela cross that flew narrowly over the bar with Lopez beaten. Vela has also seen another shot comfortably saved, but Arrasate will be keen for his side to create more in the second half and turn their good performance into goals.

KICKOFF: Sociedad get us back underway for the second half as they look to get something from their good performance so far. Madrid, meanwhile, need to hold on to this win if they are to remain in the title race.

YELLOW CARD! Gonzalez picks up a yellow card early in the second half, and he can have no complaints. He came sliding in late on Carvajal and caught the full-back with a poor challenge.

OFF THE BAR! Madrid are inches away from doubling their lead. From the resulting free kick, Ramos rises highest in the area and steers a fabulous header towards the top corner, only to see it come back off the crossbar. So unlucky for Ramos.

YELLOW CARD! Illarramendi goes into the book for a shirt pull on Vela, and it was so blatant and cynical that he can have no complaints.

Interesting free kick routine as Canales clips the ball to Gonzalez at the front of the area, and he flicks the ball on for Inigo Martinez coming in at the back post. However, the flick is just too heavy for his defensive partner and the ball goes behind for a goal kick.

SHOT! Sociedad come forward again as the ball falls to Carlos Martinez around 25 yards from goal. He hits it first time, but it is never going to beat Lopez, who makes a comfortable save.

Another Madrid corner causes problems as Bale gets his head to the ball, diverting his header downwards and towards the bottom corner. It is never troubling the goal, but almost picks out Benzema for a simple close range finish.

Better from Madrid now as they come forward down the left flank. Bale picks the ball up and feints a shot before cutting inside onto his right foot. He drills a powerful effort towards the far corner, but Elustondo is there to make a crucial block.

YELLOW CARD! Inigo Martinez picks up a card for a poor challenge on Benzema, who had poked the ball past the defender in a good position. Madrid have a free kick within shooting range here...

SAVE! It is Alonso who goes for it as he attempts to become the second former Sociedad player on the scoresheet tonight. He curls a good effort towards the bottom corner, but Bravo gets down well to make a good save, pushing the ball to safety this time.

Good defending from Carvajal as he makes a crucial block to deny a promising Sociedad block, The ball had been chested down into a good area, but the Madrid right-back snuffed out the danger before the hosts could test Lopez.

Bale runs at the defence again before having the door shut on his face with a strong challenge. He appears to be in pain here, and will not be able to be on the pitch when Madrid go for goal from this free kick in a good position. The Welsh winger was sandwiched between two men and has hurt his knee.

Bale will be able to continue here as he limps back onto the field. He isn't moving entirely freely, but appears to be one that he can run off.

SOCIEDAD SUB: The hosts make an attacking change as Agirretxe comes on for Zurutuza.

OFF THE BAR! What a superb strike this is from Benzema. He is afforded space to shoot from around 25 yards out and hammers a powerful effort towards the top corner with his left foot. Bravo is well beaten, but it cannons off the bar, hitting almost exactly the same spot as Ramos' effort earlier.

Bale doubles Madrid's lead, but it is a horror show from Bravo. His clearance is poor and goes straight to Bale, who shows great opportunism to hammer it into the bottom corner from range as Bravo fails to recover in time. Bale still had a lot to do, but it was a gift from Bravo.

How important could that goal prove to be for Madrid? They weren't looking entirely comfortable at 1-0 and any Sociedad goal could have derailed their title bid. Now, though, they have a bit of breathing space and can begin to take things a little more easy.

CLOSE! Benzema is again given space to shoot from outside the area, but this time he drags a rather tame effort a yard or so past the post. Madrid are starting to impose themselves on this game.

YELLOW CARD! Bergara was fortunate to avoid a yellow card in the first half, but there is no chance he is getting away with this one. He pulls Bale's shirt as the winger threatened to race away, and that will also draw a caution.

Great block from Ansotegi as he throws himself in the way of Isco's effort from the edge of the area. Carvajal created the chance, cutting inside from the right before feeding the ball across to his compatriot.

Madrid are starting to look more like themselves now that they have a two-goal lead. Isco threads a delightful pass inside the full-back for Carvajal to race on to, but his cutback is put behind for a corner.

SOCIEDAD SUB: The hosts make their third and final change of the evening as Ruben Pardo comes on for Gonzalez.

Madrid are in complete control of this match now and it is hard to see any way back for Sociedad. It has been a much improved second half performance from Ancelotti's side and they certainly needed it. Their title challenge appears to still be on track for now at least.

Good defending from Sergio Ramos as he is at full stretch to put a dangerous low cross behind for a corner. Agirretxe was lurking behind him there, so it was important that he got the touch.

Angel di Maria is warming up on the sidelines, which will be a welcome sight for Madrid fans. He has been struggling with injury recently and his return will be a timely boost going into the title run in.

REAL MADRID SUB: Indeed, there is the sub as Di Maria replaces Isco, which means that Bale remains on the pitch despite that brief injury scare earlier.

Carvajal almost puts his side in danger with a poor attempted clearance that gifts the ball straight to Griezmann in a dangerous area. However, the full-back recovers really well to make a vital block on the powerful shot from the French striker.

Griezmann threatens again down the left channel with a shot towards the near post from a tight angle. It is never going to beat the keeper, but it does win the hosts a corner as Lopez is unable to hold on.

There is the game for Madrid as Pepe seals the points late on. The two centre-backs combine from the corner as Ramos rises to nod it back across goal for Pepe, who finishes really well with a first-time effort. That is a really smart finish from the Portuguese defender.

MADRID SUB: With the match sewn up, Ancelotti takes that as his cue to withdraw Bale, who makes way for Morata. Bale immediately receives treatment on his leg, with heavy strapping applied.

MADRID SUB: Ancelotti makes a second sub in quick success as Casemiro comes on for Alonso.

Madrid add another late on as Di Maria splits the defence with a superb through-ball that Morata shows great pace to race on to. He also shows composure with the finish, taking his time before sliding the ball past the keeper and into the bottom corner. This has been a very impressive second half from Madrid.

YELLOW CARD! Carvajal is the latest player to go into the book, and he can't have any complaints after clearly handling the ball.

There will be a minimum of three minutes added time at the end of this match.

SAVE! Di Maria looks to get in on the act late on as he drills an effort towards the bottom corner from range. Bravo is not going to be beaten from that range, though, as he gets down comfortably to make the save.

Wow, what a result that is Madrid, who responded to a lacklustre first-half display with a superb performance after the break. Not many would have predicted 4-0 in the 44th minute when the match was still goalless, but in the end it could have been more than that for Madrid. It is a crucial victory for Carlo Ancelotti's side, who remain in contention with Atletico and Barcelona in the closest La Liga title race in years.

The visitors broke the deadlock right on the stroke of half time when Illarramendi bundled a rebound home from close range, giving his current team an undeserved lead against his former team at the break. However, it was all about Madrid in the second half as Bale pounced on an error from Bravo to make it 2-0 before Pepe and Morata scored in the final five minutes to seal the victory.

It could have been even better for Madrid, who rattled the crossbar twice in the second half. The first came from a fine header from Ramos, while Benzema struck almost exactly the same spot with a rasping left-footed effort from range. Sociedad's chances of making the Champions League for a second year in a row appear to be over now, especially is Bilbao win on Monday, but Madrid's title dream is still very much alive.

Right, that is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for what was a crucial match in the Primera Division title race as Madrid overcome an uneasy first half to cruise to a 4-0 win over Real Sociedad. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction and analysis, which will be on site shortly. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!