It took the home team just over one minute to score their first goal of 2013. Sami Khedira picked out Karim Benzema all alone inside the penalty area and the French international in turn slotted the ball underneath an outrushing Bravo in the away goal.

However, with nine minutes on the clock, Sociedad were level. Carlos Vela found himself through on goal but as he tried to round Antonio Adan, the Madrid keeper tripped up the former Arsenal striker. Adan was handed his marching orders and his replacement, Iker Casillas, was unable to prevent captain Xabi Prieto from converting the resultant penalty.

Real Madrid players congratulate Karim Benzema on an early goal against Real Sociedad on January 6, 2013 © AP Photos

Just one minute later Prieto had a chance to put his side in front after Casillas had gifted him possession to the right of the penalty area. However, the Sociedad skipper only succeeded in finding the side-netting from a narrow angle.

It took Madrid a while to adjust to being a man light but when they did, they began to create a handful of openings.

Their pressure finally told in the 35th minute as German international Khedira flicked in from close range following a cross from Ricardo Carvalho.

The Basque visitors refused to lay down though and just four minutes later their skipper had levelled up proceedings for a second time. Madrid failed to clear a loose ball inside the area and Prieto capitalised to beat Casillas from eight yards out.

Madrid went close to taking the lead for a third time deep into stoppage time, but Benzema saw his curling effort strike the inside of the post, while Khedira was unable to turn in the rebound.

The hosts went into match 16 points behind leaders Barcelona.