DHAKA: Karim Benzema starred in the absence of the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo by scoring twice in Real Madrid's 4-1 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Ronaldo received a two-match ban after lashing out at Cordoba's Edimar in Real's last league outing, but the leaders marched without the Portugal forward at Santiago Bernabeu.

Sociedad, who beat Carlo Ancelotti’s side 4-2 at the Anoeta in September, were out to record their first away win over Real since 2004 and they enjoyed a fine start, as Aritz Elustondo headed them in front in the first minute.

James Rodriguez equalised just two minutes later, but Sociedad carried a serious attacking threat until Carlos Vela's injury 17 minutes in.

The hosts began to take control after the Mexico striker's substitution and Sergio Ramos put them ahead eight minutes before the break with his 41st Liga goal, with Benzema adding a third early in the second half.

Real saw several chances go begging in the second half, but Benzema completed the scoring in spectacular fashion with 14 minutes to go as Real moved four points clear of Barcelona, who face Villarreal on Sunday.

Source: goal.com

BDST: 0834 HRS, FEB 01, 2015