Good afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for the return of La Liga football following the winter break as Real Madrid host Real Sociedad at the Bernabeu. Rafael Benitez's side would go top with a victory for a few hours at least, but pressure still remains on the Spaniard's shoulders. First things first, though, let's take a look at the two teams...

REAL MADRID STARTING XI: Navas; Danilo, Pepe, Nacho, Marcelo; Modric, Kroos, Rodriguez; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo

REAL MADRID SUBS: Casilla, Varane, Casemiro, Kovacic, Lucas Vazquez, Jese, Isco

REAL SOCIEDAD STARTING XI: Rulli; Elustondo, C Martinez, I Martinez, Yuri; Xabi Prieto, Illarramendi, Bergara, Canales; Agirretxe, Jonathas

REAL SOCIEDAD SUBS: Brume, Vela, Oier, Ruben Pardo, Litri, Reyes, De La Bella

What can we make of those two sides, then? Well, there is only once change to the Real Madrid side that so comfortably dispatched of Rayo before the winter break, and that is an enforced one as Ramos misses out with a muscle injury, being replaced by Nacho in the starting XI. Varane is on the bench having recovered from an injury of his own, but is not deemed fit to start by Rafael Benitez.

Aside from that it is the same side that hit 10 past Rayo, with the same front three that got nine of those goals. Bale was responsible for four himself, while Benzema grabbed a hat-trick and Ronaldo added a further two. That trio, on form, is up there with Barcelona's front line and will cause Sociedad plenty of problems this afternoon. Ronaldo is, of course, the standout member of the team, but Bale and Benzema will also be flying after their hauls against Rayo.

Sociedad, meanwhile, have made four changes to the team that was beaten by Villarreal before the winter break, with one of those coming in defence as Martinez replaces Reyes to partner his namesake at the back. Xabi Prieto, Bergara and Jonathas all also return to the starting XI, with Granero, Vela and Bruma all dropping out to accommodate them. Zurutza remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Victory this afternoon would send Madrid back to the top of La Liga, but only a fairly convincing win will lessen the pressure on Rafael Benitez's shoulders. The former Liverpool boss has faced questions over his tenure ever since being appointed in the summer, and never more so than when they were thrashes 4-0 by Barcelona recently. There were boos both before and during the game against Rayo, although those subsided as the goals continued to arrive in that game.

Benitez has since complained of a "campaign" against him and the club, but the results ultimately rule all and, for a club of Real Madrid's size, they haven't quite been good enough recently. Los Blancos have lost three of their last six league games following a run of 20 without defeat, leaving them two points behind both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid having played a game more than the former.

There have also been suggestions that Real Madrid are not attacking enough under Benitez, although recent results certainly suggest otherwise. They have scored 18 goals in their last three games, thrashing Malmo 8-0 in the Champions League before their remarkable 10-2 victory over nine-man Rayo before the break. There have been more occasions than usual where Madrid have failed to score altogether, though, which is one of the criticisms levelled at Benitez.

Those 18 goals have all come at the Bernabeu too, making it an average of nine goals per game in their last two home outings. They hit four in the match before that as well, so home fans at the Bernabeu have seen their side score 22 times in the last three outings, which really is an incredible return. They have only lost one of their last 20 outings on home soil too, although that defeat was a 4-0 one at the hands of bitter rivals Barcelona.

As for Sociedad, they continue to struggle at the wrong end of the table despite changing David Moyes for Eusebio Sacristan, although the new manager has overseen a slightly improvement since taking over. Sociedad have won two of their five league outings under him, drawing one and losing the other two. They are winless in their last three, however, and it is just one victory in their last six games in all competitions.

Consistency has been a big problem for Sociedad this season, and is the main reason why they are only two points clear of the relegation zone. They have not won back-to-back games since March and, away from home, have not won since October. That makes it four games without a victory, although their troubles on the road predate Eusebio Sacristan's time in charge. Sociedad have won only four of their last 31 away games in all competitions, and only two in nine this season.

They have, however, picked up the same amount of points away as they have at home, despite only scoring one goal in their last three league away games. Their final match before the winter break did come at home, but it ended in defeat as Denis Suarez's brace handed Villarreal a 2-0 victory.

PREDICTION: We're edging ever closer to kickoff now, which means that it is time for a prediction! Madrid have been a little more unpredictable than usual in recent weeks, but it is still hard to see them dropping points at home, particularly against Sociedad. It should be another fairly comfortable victory for Madrid, and I'm going for a 3-0 home win.

Sociedad haven't won at the Bernabeu for more than 10 years now, last doing so in 2004, and the most recent meeting here came in January when Madrid ran out 4-1 winners. Sociedad did win the reverse fixture earlier in the season, however, running out 4-2 victors at home.

KICKOFF: Here we go then! Real Madrid get us underway at the Bernabeu looking to move top of La Liga.

The first shooting chance falls to the visitors as Jonathas knocks the ball down to Canales, but the Sociedad midfielder is off balance and blazes his effort from the edge of the box well over the crossbar.

As expected it is the hosts who are enjoying the lion's share of possession early on here, but they are yet to trouble the visitors' goal in the opening exchanges.

CHANCE! Madrid do threaten the goal here as Pepe climbs highest inside the area to meet a corner, drawing a fine stop from Rulli. The second corner also causes problems, but it bobbles just wide after Bale was unable to make a clean connection.

Sociedad have made a pretty confident start here having bravely gone for two up front. They are looking good on the ball and seeing enough of it to suggest that they can cause problems.

CHANCES! Two big chances for Madrid to take the lead! The first comes on the break as Bale feeds the ball into the path of Ronaldo, whose effort is denied by Rulli. The Sociedad keeper keeps his team in it again moments later when the visitors failed to clear a cross and it fell to Benzema, whose low strike was too close to the shot-stopper.

That is three big saves the Sociedad keeper has already made, and Benitez could have done with at least one of those going in to lift the mood around the Bernabeu nice and early. This side have made a good start to the game, though.

CHANCE! Chance at the other end for the visitors now as Yuri's shot deflects out for a corner, from which Inigo Martinez lost his marker and met the cross. His connection is not the best, however, and it bounces wide.

Very clever play from Marcelo as he keeps the ball in using his back. James's crossfield pass looked like it was too long for the Brazilian, but he lept up while not looking at it and kept it on.

CHANCE! Another chance for the visitors sees Agirretxe coast past the challenges of Marcelo and Nacho far too easily inside the area, but Navas is quickly off his line and smothers the striker.

Agirretxe was hurt in that hefty collision with Navas there, and he has just be stretchered to the sideline. No sub has been made yet, but it looks unlikely that the striker will be able to continue here. That would be a huge blow for Sociedad.

Ronaldo works space for himself to have a go at goal just outside the area, but he drags his effort wide of the target.

SOCIEDAD SUB: There is the change as Sociedad's top scorer Agirretxe is unable to continue. On comes Bruma in his place.

That switch has seen Sociedad change back to their usual formation of 4-3-3 rather than having two up front. It is a big blow to lose Agirretxe, though, and Eusebio Sacristan will be hopeful that it is not too serious.

Shooting chance for Jonathas as he weaves his way to the edge of the area, but his strike is tame and comfortable for the keeper to make a save.

Oh my word, Real Madrid miss a glorious chance to take the lead as Ronaldo blazes his penalty over the crossbar! The spot kick was a soft one as Martinez bumped into Benzema as a cross from Bale was arriving in the box, but you'd still expect them to take advantage. However, Ronaldo proves that he is human by firing over the bar from 12 yards.

SAVE! Rulli is called into action this time, but it is a relatively simple one for the visiting keeper. Benzema got plenty of power behind his 25-yard effort, and there was movement in the air too, but it was more of less straight at Rulli.

Almost a well-crafted opening for the hosts as Ronaldo gives it to Benzema, who in turn lifts it back into the box for the Portuguese attacker. However, it is too long for Ronaldo to latch on to and a good attacking platform goes begging.

Half a chance for Jonathas as Prieto makes his way down the right before delivering a cross into the area. Jonathas makes his run before Pepe can react, but he plants his header over the crossbar.

Again Madrid look for that one-two on the edge of the box, with Benzema attempting to get on the end of it this time, but Inigo Martinez is across to make an important last-ditch tackle.

YELLOW CARD! The first card of the afternoon goes to Yuri for a mistimed sliding challenge on Bale.

Marcelo loses the ball deep inside the Sociedad half and the visitors immediately look to break away, with four attackers against three defenders. However, they fail to take advantage of a good attacking platform and the counter quickly breaks down.

CLOSE! Almost an opener for Sociedad, and again it arrives from a cross into the box. Yuri is the man to deliver it this time, but it is the same player on the end as Jonathas steers a header narrowly wide of the target.

SAVE! Another save for Rulli to make as the ball is teed up for Modric to have a crack from 25 yards, but he hits it straight at the keeper. There was plenty of power behind the effort, though, so Rulli is unable to hold it, but Bale can't make anything of the rebound.

Again Sociedad fail to adequately deal with a cross into the area and Benzema is there to snap up the attempted clearance. He connects with his effort well, but it is straight at the keeper once more.

No missing this time! Ronaldo plants his penalty right into the corner beyond the despairing dive of the keeper, although it was another very harsh award by the ref. Bale's cross hit the leg of Yuri and bounced up against his arm, which he could do nothing about. The referee points to the spot, though, and books Carlos Martinez for his protestations before Ronaldo scores the resulting penalty.

Sociedad were forced to stretcher off a second player just before that penalty was taken, with Canales going down with no Real Madrid player making contact with him. That could well be a serious one.

SOCIEDAD SUB: They eventually bring on a replacement for Canales too as Ruben Pardo replaces the stricken midfielder.

There will be two minutes of added time at the end of this first half.

A number of whistles greet the players heading in for half time, but Real Madrid do have the lead over Real Sociedad at the interval. As things stand they are on course to move top of La Liga for a few hours at least, although it probably should be a little more comfortable for the hosts.

The goal came just before half time as Ronaldo tucked a penalty past the keeper after Yuri had been penalised for a handball. It was a very harsh decision from the ref as the ball hit the leg of Yuri before bouncing up against his arm, but the official pointed to the spot nonetheless. Ronaldo had earlier missed from the spot, but made no mistake second time around.

That first miss came midway through the first half, and it was another contentious spot kick again against Yuri. This time the defender bumped into Benzema inside the area, and the striker needed no second invitation to go down. It was perhaps a little clumsy from Yuri, but it was still a harsh decision. Justice was eventually served, however, as Ronaldo blazed his spot kick over the crossbar.

Sociedad keeper Rulli wasn't tested on that occasion, but he has been called upon to make a number of important saves, particularly in the opening 10 minutes. Pepe was denied with a header after just five minutes, while shortly afterwards both Ronaldo and Benzema brought good stops from the keeper. Benzema and Modric have also had cracks from distance, but those have been more straightforward for the keeper.

KICKOFF: Sociedad get us back underway at the Bernabeu as they look to turn this game around and pick up their first win here since 2004.

An early chance for Sociedad to test the keeper as they are awarded a free kick in a dangerous position, but Pardo curls it over the wall and over the bar. Navas appeared to have it covered anyway.

This isn't going to help the mood inside the Bernabeu! Sociedad equalise, and they do so in style with a cracking strike from Bruma. The Madrid defending leaves a lot to be desired as Jonathas brushes off Pepe before finding an unmarked Bruma on the left. Danilo is too slow to close him down, but there is still a lot for the Portuguese sub to do as he curls it into the top corner. Fantastic finish.

Madrid look for an immediate reply as Ronaldo peels away at the back post to reach a cross from the left. He takes the volley on first time, but doesn't connect properly and only finds the side-netting.

There is more urgency about Madrid now as they go in search of a second goal to regain the lead. Kroos flashes one over the bar from range, but they will have to do better than that if they are to find another breakthrough.

CHANCE! Huge chance for Sociedad to get a second! It is terrible defending once again from Madrid, with the back four going AWOL to allow Bruma clean through on goal after Jonathas had beaten Danilo in the air. However, a heavy touch shows too much of the ball to Navas, who smothers it at Bruma's feet.

YELLOW CARD! Nacho goes into the book for a rash challenge on Prieto, and he can have no complaints with the decision.

Almost another chance for Bruma! He plays a one-two on the edge of the area and collects the lofted return pass, but his touch is disappointing and allows Pepe in to make an important challenge.

SAVE! Cracking save from Rulli at the other end. Bale came onto a pass from James and hit a powerful side-footed effort towards the bottom corner, but Rulli is down to make a very good stop.

REAL MADRID SUB: Benitez turns to his bench in an effort to change things around here, as Mateo Kovacic replaces James.

Madrid have had their fair share of luck today, and they almost get another break here as a cross deflects off the back of Yuri towards his own goal. The keeper is alert to make the save, though.

YELLOW CARD! Illarramendi goes into the book against his former club for a mistimed challenge on Pepe.

The home fans are growing increasingly frustrated here. They do not like what they are seeing at the moment, with Sociedad arguably on top right now. On the balance of chances, Madrid should be leading here, but the visitors are playing well and look just as capable of getting the game's third goal as the hosts do.

Bale makes his way to the byline and send a deep cross towards the back post for Benzema, but he can't connect with the volley well and his weak effort trickles into the arms of the keeper.

Real Madrid regain the lead, and it is Ronaldo who doubles his personal tally. He peeled away towards the edge of the box as a corner arrived in the middle, and he swings a left leg at the ball as it drops. His contact isn't perfect, indeed, he shins it a little, but the accuracy is spot on and it sneaks into the bottom corner.

REAL SOCIEDAD SUB: A third and final change for the visitors sees Carlos Vela come on to replace Jonathas.

CHANCE! Chance for Madrid to give themselves a bit of breathing space here as Ronaldo's ball into the box is knocked back to Benzema by Danilo. Benzema hits his first-time effort sweetly, but Rulli is there again with a strong hand to turn it wide.

A Sociedad free kick in a good crossing position is only cleared as far as Yuri, who comes onto the ball but fires his effort wide of the target.

The latest on the Canales injury is that he has apparently ruptured a cruciate ligament, which would rule him out for the remainder of the season and beyond. That would be a major blow for Sociedad if that is confirmed.

Good footwork from Bruma inside the box as he twists and turns his way into a bit of space, but that is quickly closed down and he is dispossessed before a follow-up shot from range goes well wide.

REAL MADRID SUB: A second change for the hosts here as Lucas Vazquez replaces Benzema.

Benitez really will want a third goal here to give his side a bit of a cushion. A late Sociedad equaliser would crank up the pressure on the former Liverpool boss and could well be the final nail in his coffin if recent reports are to be believed.

Sociedad have 10 minutes to find that equaliser now, but the visitors can take a lot of encouragement from this performance, even if it ends in defeat, as they have played with more confidence than in many games this season.

CHANCE! Chance for Sociedad to level things up as Carlos Martinez and Vela combine to find Pardo, but the sub drags his effort across the face of goal and a few yards wide of the far post.

Ronaldo will be annoyed with himself here. Bale fed the ball through to the striker and he looked to be through on goal, but the pace is perhaps no longer there and instead of driving on he looks to cut back on himself, allowing Sociedad to make a challenge.

Nice play from Vazquez as he works space for himself to shoot on the edge of the box, but his eventual effort is poor and hits a defender before it can test the keeper.

Game over! Real Madrid have their third goal, hitting Sociedad on the break following a long spell of possession for the visitors. Ronaldo gives the ball to Bale, who in turn picks out Vazquez with a beauty of a cross into the middle. Vazquez's first touch is exquisite, and his second isn't bad either as he slides it under the keeper.

It appears as though Madrid will be heading to the top of La Liga, then, although it remains to be seen whether this win will be enough for the fans to lay off Benitez. It hasn't been a particularly impressive display from the visitors, but they deserve to win by a few goals.

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

Ronaldo looks to get the hat-trick in style, lining up a free kick from 30 yards only to fire his effort well off target.

The referee brings an end to proceedings at the Bernabeu, then, with Real Madrid running out 3-1 victors to return to the top of La Liga at least until Atletico Madrid and Barcelona play later. Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in the first half but atoned for that later in the opening 45 minutes by scoring from another spot kick just before half time. Bruma levelled things up for Sociedad at the start of the second half, but a second from Ronaldo and a late Lucas Vazquez strike ensured an important three points for the hosts.

That is all we have time for this afternoon! Thank you for joining Sports Mole for today's game as Real Madrid move top of the table for a few hours at least courtesy of victory over Real Sociedad. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for coverage of the other matches in La Liga today. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!