BARCELONA — Karim Benzema scored twice as Real Madrid thrashed Real Sociedad 4-1 Saturday without the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo to ensure it remained top of the Spanish league. Sociedad defender Aritz Elustondo headed in his first goal for the Basque club 36 seconds into the match. But James Rodriguez headed the host level in the third minute, and Madrid never looked back at its Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Sergio Ramos scored in the 37th and Benzema made it 3-1 in the 53rd before he struck an exquisite second goal in the 76th. Madrid opened a four-point gap over Barcelona before it hosts Villarreal Sunday. Madrid will play its game in hand against Sevilla Wednesday. On Friday, a late penalty by Celso Borges gave Deportivo La Coruna a 2-1 win at Rayo Vallecano. The match began with a minute's silence for former Rayo and Nigeria goalkeeper Wilfred Agbonavbare, who died of cancer aged 48. “We got our teeth into the match and the squad showed great character,” Costa Rica midfielder Borges said. “It's great to add points and I'm proud of our team who battled to the very end.” Deportivo rises to 13th place in the standings after 21 games, while Rayo is 10th on 23. — AP
