Vinicius scored his 10th goal of the season as Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga to eight points. It was a case of no Karim Benzema, no problem as the Frenchman hobbled off in the first half but his Brazilian side-kick just carried on regardless to see off Real Sociedad 2-0 at the Reale Arena.

He had some help from Luka Jovic who came on for Benzema and weighed in with an assist and his first goal of the season. It was also his first goal since February 2020.

Real Sociedad were title candidates a few weeks but on a night when Atletico Madrid and Barcelona also lost it is starting to look as though no one will challenge Carlo Ancelotti’s side this season. If they win next week’s Madrid derby their lead could be in double figures.

Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 2-0 on Saturday after a goal and assist from Luka Jovic (c)

The home side started well and it was Alexander Isak who had the game’s first chance from Diego Rico’s cross but Eder Militao blocked his shot.

It was on 16 minutes when Benzema went down and had to be replaced by Jovic. That left the baton in Vinicius’ hand. He had already tested Alejandro Remiro with one shot and sent another one his way shortly after his French strike partner hobbled off.

Vinicius was full of tricks and one flick to get him away from Mikel Oyarzabal almost brought the Real Sociedad supporters to their feet.

La Real got into their stride as the half progressed and Isak and Alex Sorloth began to bully Madrid although the commanding Militao was still a match for them both and one fantastic block denied the home side the opener.

It was in the second half that the goals came. Vinicius scored one not dissimilar to the one he got last week against Sevilla. Two minutes into the second period he took the ball down on the left touchline and drifted infield after swapping passes with Jovic before side-foot volleying the ball past Remiro.

Madrid double their lead 10 minutes later when Jovice dive-headed the ball past Remiro after Casemiro nodded down Toni Kroos’ corner. 

Vinicius could have made it 3-0 just before the final whistle. The outstanding Militao sent him clear and Vinicius again managed to combine pace and power tempered with control. He raced clear of Real Sociedad’s defence but this time Remiro made the save. 

Madrid deserved the win having peppered the home team’s goal with eight shots on target. They don’t need to win in Europe in midweek and they can rest Benzema who probably still wont make the derby.

With Vinicius on this sort of form they might even manage without him. They certainly had too much for Real Sociead who have now gone three games without a win.