Karim Benzema joins Lionel Messi in two exclusive clubs after Real Madrid's downing of Sociedad

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has etched his name ever further into the history books of Spanish football on Saturday night.

This comes owing to the French international's exploits during Los Blancos' La Liga showdown with Real Sociedad.

First up comes a testament to an often underappreciated aspect of Benzema's game, in the form of his ability to create for those around him.

As per statisticians Opta, after bagging his latest assist this evening, Real's talisman joined iconic Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Dani Alves as one of only three players to have laid on 100 La Liga goals since the turn of the century:

'Benz', though, was not done there, later slotting home from the penalty spot in typically cool fashion to take his goal tally for the La Liga campaign to a hefty 20.

And, in the process, the former Lyon standout joined another exclusive club, too, becoming just the 7th player to ever score 20 or more goals in four successive seasons in the Spanish top-flight:

Modric amongst the goals

Benzema's latest goal and assist, in the end, helped to guide Real Madrid to another 3-point haul on Saturday, boosting further the club's hopes of reclaiming the La Liga title this season.

Goals on the part of all of the Frenchman, Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric and Marco Asensio saw Los Merengues emerge on the right side of an impressive 4-1 triumph over Sociedad.

Carlo Ancelotti's troops, in turn, have extended their advantage over the chasing pack at the summit of the Spanish top-flight to a full eight points.

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