Real Madrid clinched a thrilling 4-3 win over Real Sociedad, having to play for 84 minutes with ten men.

Karim Benzema had swept the champions into the lead after just 90 seconds but Jose Mourinho's decision to once again leave Iker Casillas on the bench backfired just six minutes in as Antonio Adan brought down Carlos Vela inside the area and was rightly sent-off.

Xabi Prieto slotted home the penalty on what was to be a memorable afternoon for him and both sides exchanged further goals before half-time as Sami Khedira put Madrid back in front only for Prieto to level again five minutes later.

Cristiano Ronaldo then looked to have sealed the points with two goals in two minutes midway through the second-half, but Sociedad were given another lifeline when Prieto completed his hat-trick with 15 minutes remaining.

However, the visitors themselves were reduced to 10 men on 80 minutes as Dani Estrada was shown a second yellow card for bringing down Ronaldo and the Basques failed to muster another serious effort on goal.