Real beats Barca to top spot again heading to the title

Real Madrid took advantage of Barcelona’s slip against Sevilla to take the reins of control of the La Liga title after beating Real Sociedad 2-1 on Sunday to move top of the table, above title rivals Barcelona.

Sergio Ramos broke the deadlock in the 50th minute after converting a penalty awarded when Vinicius Junior went to ground in the area following contact from Sociedad’s Diego Llorente.

The VAR then came to Madrid’s rescue after Sociedad thought they had levelled with a strike from Adnan Januzaj from outside the box. The review showed Mikel Merino obstructing the view of Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois without touching the ball.

In form Karim Benzema then doubled Madrid’s lead after controlling the ball with the top of his arm, VAR also reviewed and found no issues with the goal.

Real Sociedad rallied a consolation as Merino ensured an exciting finish by lashing in off the crossbar in the 83rd minute.

Related: La Liga up for grabs as Barcelona draw at Sevilla

Zinedine Zidane’s side now clings on to the top of the table with 65 points after 30 games, joint top with Barcelona but with a superior head-to-head record.

Real Madrid’s captain Ramos was injured during the game soon after his goal and needed an ice pack on his leg in the stands.

Madrid have won only one La Liga title since 2012 and are now eight victories away from winning the league.