Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad

James Rodriguez headed his 11th goal of the season for Real Madrid after signing from Monaco last summer

David Moyes's first visit to the Bernabeu ended in defeat as Real Madrid came from behind to extend their lead at the top of La Liga.

Real Sociedad boss Moyes saw his side make the ideal start as Aritz Elustondo headed them in front after 38 seconds.

But despite missing the banned Cristiano Ronaldo, Real equalised through a James Rodriguez header before Sergio Ramos made it 2-1 at half-time.

Karim Benzema then struck twice as Sociedad stayed winless away from home.

Moyes had wanted his first taste of the Bernabeu to be as a winner and the former Manchester United and Everton boss cannot have enjoyed the experience as he lost for the first time in seven meetings with Real's former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Under Moyes, Sociedad had pulled away from relegation trouble with just one defeat in their previous six league games.

Moyes had overseen a win over Barcelona at the start of January to further enhance his reputation in Spain.

A famous double was only briefly on the cards with Elustondo heading home a cross from Ruben Pardo's early corner.

The lead lasted only two minutes before Rodriguez nodded in a Marcelo cross and Sociedad's cause wasn't helped when top scorer Carlos Vela went off injured after 17 minutes.

Real continued to create chances with Gareth Bale twice going close before they did go in front when Ramos collected a loose ball in the penalty area to fire home his sixth goal of the season.

Bale missed another opportunity when he shot wide of an open goal just before the break but the Welshman had a hand in the third goal as he set up Benzema to locate the bottom corner with a left-foot shot six minutes into the second half.

The league leaders were dominant throughout and signed off with a fourth goal 15 minutes from the end when Benzema collected an Isco pass to steer a shot into the top corner to move to 17 for the season.

Real Madrid are now four points clear of Barcelona, who host Villarreal on Sunday.

David Moyes had bought a special bottle of 1959 Rioja to give to Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti to thank him for his support since arriving in Spain

David Moyes had bought a special bottle of 1959 Rioja to give to Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti to thank him for his support since arriving in Spain

Gareth Bale missed a number of chances to add to his 14 goals for Real Madrid this season

Sergio Ramos is looking to add to his three La Liga titles with Real Madrid