Madrid, Feb 1 (IANS) Real Madrid remained on top of the Spanish Primera Liga after coming back from a goal down to defeat Real Sociedad 4-1 while rivals Atletico stayed in touch with the football league leaders with a 3-1 win over Eibar.
Sociedad’s Aritz Elustondo opened the scoring in the first minute Saturday with a powerful header following a corner, but James Rodriguez levelled just 90 seconds later and Sergio Ramos put Madrid ahead seven minutes before halftime, reports Xinhua.
Real Madrid were without the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo, who was watching from a VIP box, but Karim Benzema produced a fine performance which he capped with two excellent second half goals to ensure the Portuguese star wasn’t missed.
Benzema’s first goal came following a pass from the otherwise disappointing Gareth Bale, while his second of the day was an excellent curling finish from the edge of the visitors’ penalty area.
Atletico Madrid overcame dreadful conditions and an in-form rival to defeat Eibar 3-1 in a rain soaked Ipurua Stadium.
The game was over as a contest by the 25th minute after a goal from Antoine Griezmann and two from Mario Mandzukic saw Atletico overcome their midweek Kings Cup exit to FC Barcelona and set them up for next weekend’s home clash against Real Madrid.
Granada also enjoyed a good day with a a 1-0 win at home to Elche thanks to a Jhon Cordoba strike.