La Liga wrap: Ronaldo guides Real to victory

Real Madrid returned to winning ways with a 5-1 romp over Real Sociedad as Barcelona kept pace with a seventh straight win in La Liga.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace at the Santiago Bernabeu, including his 100th La Liga goal for Real Madrid, as the league leaders maintained their six-point buffer over Barcelona, following two draws.

Ronaldo’s first goal after half an hour gave him a century of goals after only 92 games, making him the fastest player to reach that landmark in the capital outfit’s history.

Gonzalo Higuain’s early opener and a brace from striker Karim Benzema completed the rout for the home side.

Xabi Prieto’s strike before half-time for Sociedad proved nothing more than consolation.

Lionel Messi and Gerrard Pique were on target in a 2-0 win over Mallorca as 10-man Barcelona kept up the pressure on Real Madrid.

Messi’s tempting free kick evaded everyone in the area before going in off the inside of the post to give Barca the lead midway through the first half.

Pep Guardiola’s side passed up the opportunity to double their advantage and, following Thiago’s sending off on the hour mark, endured a nervy finale as the home side pressed.

But Pique settled it when he struck 10 minutes from time to pick up another vital three points in Barca’s belated title pursuit of their rivals.

Getafe moved within five points of fourth and a qualifying Champions League spot with a 3-1 win over third-place Valencia.

All four goals came in the opening half hour with Bruno putting Getafe 3-1 up with an own goal following strikes from Pedro Rios, Miku, and Roberto Soldado for Valencia.