Real, Barca both claim victories at Primera Liga

Madrid, March 25 (IANS) Real Madrid and FC Barcelona both won their matches in the Spanish Primera Liga to maintain the status quo at the top of the league table.

Real Madrid brushed past a poor Real Sociedad side 5-1 Saturday to keep their nerve after dropping four points in their last two matches, which had seen their lead at the top of the table cut to six points.

Madrid got off to a perfect start with a Gonzalo Higuain goal and further strikes from Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema gave them a 3-0 lead before Xabi Prieto scored from long range to give the visitors a glimmer of hope before the break.

That glimmer was soon extinguished by goals from Benzema and Ronaldo before both sides decided to conserve energy in the closing minutes.

Earlier on the day, FC Barcelona won 2-0 in Mallorca to maintain the pressure at the top of the table.

Lionel Messi scored from a free kick that he crossed into the penalty area but evaded everyone before ending in the back of the net.

The second half saw Mallorca come out strongly and Thiago Alcantara was harshly sent off for handball when the ball had hit his shoulder.

Barcelona defended well with a player less and Gerard Pique sealed the win with 10 minutes remaining when he scored from close range after Messi had hit the post.