Real Madrid 3-1 Real Sociedad: 5 talking points

Real Madrid ended the miserable year on a lighter note as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lukas Vazquez got among the goals in the 3-1 win over mid-table minnows Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu.The hosts, who’ve been poor for much of the season, stuttered in the initial parts of the game and Ronaldo broke the deadlock just minutes before half-time from the spot kick, after missing his earlier attempt midway in the first half.La Real levelled the proceedings after the break, but the Portuguese ace and substitute Vazquez struck two more late on to round off an unconvincing win for Los Blancos. Here are some of the talking points as La Liga recommenced after a short winter break.

#1 Blancos win again, but the heat is still on Rafa

Real Madrid underperformed yet again

Real Madrid may have hobbled their way to another win, but the jury still remains out on the beleaguered capital club. Los Blancos have been on a woeful run of results in the league of late, and despite pumping in a decuplet of goals against Rayo Vallecano in their last outing, the fans remained unconvinced and manager Rafa Benitez continues to be under the cosh.

Coming off the back of a short winter hiatus, the Whites were once again bog-standard and seem to haven’t got over the Christmas hangover yet. From the defensive half to the offensive one, the hosts appeared a notch below their usual, rip-roaring self, and left it late in the game.

Real Madrid although secured all three points today, the grey skies continue to loom over the Bernabeu and the heat is still on the embattled gaffer, Rafa Benitez.

#2 No Ramos no party as Real exposed at the back

Pepe had a torrid time without his defensive partner Sergio Ramos

Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos is currently recuperating from a calf injury and hereby missed their latest outing. Its impact was certainly felt in the game as the home side were vulnerable at the back and missed the maverick Spaniard’s defensive nous.

At the heart of the defence, Pepe shouldered massive responsibilities in the absence of his partner-in-crime, whereas Nacho wasn’t comfortable acting as a deputy for Ramos. Right-back Danilo was caught out of position on far too many occasions as Carlos Vela and Bruma ran the rings around Real's ropey rearguard.

The tremendous struggles in his absence testify Ramos' importance to his side and the Blancos would only hope to have him back in the team ere long.

#3 Ronaldo strikes twice, but not enough to paper over his struggles

Ronaldo has scored only 14 times in 17 league appearances

Reigning Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo struck a brace for the second outing in succession, but they don’t totally eclipse the poor vein of form he has been in all this season.

A recipient of two penalties today, the Real Madrid maestro missed the first but scored the other to suffice. It was his sixth miss from the 12 yards in 55 attempts for the Blancos overall and also the first in which he failed to hit the ball on target.

In the game otherwise, Ronaldo was frustrated by Sociedad ‘keeper Geronimo Rulli, who denied him on several occasions and kept him at arm's length. The prolific Portuguese was served chances on a platter by the likes of Bale and James on numerous occasions, but made a meal out of them.

The 2015/16 season in La Liga has been his worst thus far since relocating to Spain back in 2009, and Ronaldo will only be hoping to find his mojo again in the coming year.

#4 Vazquez proves a point

Lukas Vazquez has been a good signing by Real Madrid

Summer recruit Lukas Vazquez got his first official goal for Real Madrid as the young Spaniard struck in the penultimate minute to put the tie beyond the visitors reach. The 24-year-old though, was much more than just a goalscorer on the night as he once again highlighted his potential.

In just the 20 minutes awarded to him, Vazquez showed promise. Some good movements off the ball and refined first touches were only iced with a neat finish off Bale's excellent cross.

The former Espanyol man had an encouraging pre-season tour with Real Madrid but still found proper game time hard to come by during the season proper. Head-honcho Rafa Benitez has often played him as one of the last throws of his dice, but whenever he was called into action, Vazquez did not disappoint.

#5 2015 - A year to forget for Real Madrid

Real Madrid would want to dust the year 2015 under the carpet as soon as possible

With this fixture, Real Madrid played their last game of what has been nothing but an annus horribilis. Just a year after lifting four trophies including the much coveted La Decima, it was shocking to see Los Blancos plunge to mediocrity so soon. Not only did they endure the pains of watching their arch-rivals from Catalonia sweep a treble of trophies, but were plagued with several off-field issues too.

Tensions within the camp only piled more misery and that impacted their performance on the pitch. Moreover, the axing of Carlo Ancelotti sparked outrage in the media, the fans and the players alike. The capital club were also rocked by massive injury crisis throughout the year, and the new man at the helm has done few and far between to simmer the tensions down.

It was one literal helluva ride throughout the calendar year for the 10-time European champions, and will surely wish for a much, much better 2016.