Real Madrid thrashes Real Sociedad 4-0 in La Liga

Real Madrid has maintained their pressure on close La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona with a comfortable 4-0 win over sixth-placed Real Sociedad on Saturday at the Anoeta Stadium.

The victory of third-placed Real Madrid, which is three points behind leaders Atletico-who is one ahead of Barcelona with six games left- was only the third home defeat suffered by Real Sociedad since November 2012.

According to the BBC, despite the absence of an injured Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid sailed through merrily when midfielder Asier Illarramendi scored against his former side at half-time, following which Gareth Bale doubled their lead with a spectacular long-range strike after an error by home keeper Claudio Bravo.

A clinical volley from Pepe, and Alvaro Morata's precise finish, gave the score a convincing look and handed a much-deserved victory to the visitors, who are aware that their title ambitions could hinge on the visit to Sociedad after watching both Atletico and Barcelona earn narrow wins earlier on Saturday.