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Real Madrid logo
La Liga
Jan 31, 2015 at 3pm UK
 
Real Sociedad logo

4-1

Rodríguez (3'), Ramos (37'), Benzema (52', 76')
FT(HT: 2-1)

Player Ratings: Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad

Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each individual player performed during Real Madrid's 4-1 La Liga win over Real Sociedad.

Real Madrid strengthened their grip on first spot in La Liga with a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Aritz Elustondo opened the scoring for the visitors inside a minute, but goals from James Rodriguez and Sergio Ramos and a brace from Karim Benzema ensured that Los Blancos claimed all the points.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each individual player performed during the match.


Real Madrid's French forward Karim Benzema celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Madrid CF vs Real Sociedad de Futbol at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on January 31, 2015© Getty Images

REAL MADRID

Goal

Iker Casillas: Beaten inside the first minute, but only had one routine save to make aside from that. Comfortable afternoon for the in-form Spanish goalkeeper. (6/10)

Defence

Dani Carvajal: Not as involved as he usually is in a wide area, but still contributed to a number of attacks. Was not really troubled at the back for long periods of the match. (6/10)

Raphael Varane: Continued his strong run of form with a classy performance. Needed a run in the side and an injury to Pepe has opened up that avenue for the Frenchman. (7/10)

Sergio Ramos: Played some beautiful passes, especially in the second period, during a comfortable afternoon for the centre-back. (7/10)

Marcelo: Set up James with a superb cross for Madrid's equaliser and was a real threat in a wide area. Picked up a late booking though, which was the only blot on his display. (7/10)

Midfield

Toni Kroos: One of the first names on the team-sheet and it is not too difficult to understand why. Did not waste a single pass in the middle of the park. (7/10)

Isco: Another classy performance from the midfielder, who set up Benzema for the Frenchman's second goal. Also laid on a number of chances in the first period. (8/10)

Asier Illarramendi: Given a spot in midfield due to a couple of injuries and the Spaniard impressed against his former club. Looks to be staying in Madrid despite plenty of speculation. (7/10)

Attack

Gareth Bale: Did not happen for the Welshman in terms of a goal, despite a number of chances. He did set up Benzema for the Frenchman's first during another lively showing. (7/10)

Karim Benzema: Has faced criticism this season, but had an excellent afternoon. Scored twice and his second was an absolute stunner into the top corner. (9/10)

James Rodriguez: Opened the scoring with an excellent header and caused serious problems to Sociedad in the first period. Much more of a threat in a forward position. (7/10)

Substitutes

Jese Rodriguez: Continued his comeback with a 15-minute cameo and the Spaniard caused havoc with some dangerous runs in wide positions. (6/10)

Sami Khedira: Slotted effortlessly into the middle of the park during the final 10 minutes. (6/10)

Javier Hernandez: Also given the final 10 minutes, but hardly touched the ball. (5/10)


Real Sociedad's defender Ruben Pardo celebrates with teammates after scoring the opener during the Spanish league football match Real Madrid CF vs Real Sociedad de Futbol at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on January 31, 2015© Getty Images

SOCIEDAD

Goal

Geronimo Rulli: Conceded four times, but was arguably his side's best player. Made a number of excellent saves, especially in the second period under bombardment from the home team. (6/10)

Defence

Yuri Berchiche: Fired a long-range attempt high of the crossbar in the first period. Decent going forward, but found it difficult against an interchanging Madrid attack. (5/10)

Mikel Gonzalez: Made a couple of smart challenges in the early stages, but struggled as the match developed. Ultimately part of a defence that conceded four times. (5/10)

Inigo Martinez: Has been linked with a host of top European clubs, but struggled here. Was caught on the ball in dangerous areas on too many occasions. (5/10)

Aritz Elustondo: Opened the scoring inside a minute with an excellent header, but was subbed early in the second period after struggling to contain the Madrid attack. (6/10)

Midfield

Sergio Canales: Tasked with providing support to the lone forward, but the Spaniard never really got in the game against his former employers. Subbed at the break. (5/10)

Esteban Granero: Started alongside Gorka Elustondo in central midfield, but the Spaniard could not impact the match from a deeper position. (5/10)

Ruben Pardo: Set up Elustondo with an excellent corner for the opening goal of the match and caused Madrid problems with his delivery from wide areas. (6/10)

Gorka Elustondo: Formed a shield in front of the back four, but he found Isco difficult to handle. (5/10)

Xabi Prieto: Looked threatening during stages of the match, but faded in and out. (5/10)

Attack

Carlos Vela: Looked bright in the early stages, but lasted just 17 minutes after picking up an injury. Sociedad really missed the Mexican's pace. (5/10)

Substitutes

Imanol Agirretxe: Replaced Vela inside the opening 17 minutes, but had little service. Work rate not in question, but was not cute enough in possession. (5/10)

Alberto de la Bella: Entered at the interval and provided legs in a wide area. However, his delivery was far too inconsistent. (5/10)

Markel Bergara: Given the final 30 minutes after replacing Sociedad's goalscorer, but, like a number of his teammates, he found it tough against a strong Real Madrid side. (5/10)


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Real Madrid's French forward Karim Benzema celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Madrid CF vs Real Sociedad de Futbol at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on January 31, 2015
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