Arda Guler scored in the first half to earn a second-string Real Madrid side a 1-0 win at Real Sociedad on Friday, moving the LaLiga leaders a step closer to a record-extending 36th Spanish title.

With five games remaining, Madrid climbed to 84 points and extended their lead to 14 points over second-placed Barcelona, who have a game in hand and host Valencia on Monday.

Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti rested several key players ahead of their Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich, but his side did just enough to secure the three points.

The winner came from 19-year-old Turkish midfielder Guler, making his first start for Madrid after signing from Fenerbahce, when he turned home Dani Carvajal's cross in the 29th minute.

Sixth-placed La Real, fighting for a Europa League spot, dominated possession under pouring rain in northern Spain and had a few good chances saved by Madrid keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The visitors made the most of the only chance they had in the first half when Guler put them ahead.

Three minutes later, Takefusa Kubo thought he had scored the equaliser with a tidy finish from close range, but the referee ruled the goal out after spotting a foul in the build-up following a VAR check.

The hosts pushed for an equaliser after the break but had another goal ruled out, a strike from Mikel Merino who was offside, and a shot from the edge of the box by Benat Turrientes was saved by the inspired Kepa.

Madrid almost ended up extending their lead later on, with Alex Remiro making a brilliant reflex save to deny Eduardo Camavinga's strike from close range.