Despite signing off for the mid-winter break with a 10-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano, Benitez remained under scrutiny and spoke of a "campaign" against the club in midweek before Ronaldo lifted the mood at a largely downbeat Santiago Bernabeu.
The visitors - who lost Imanol Agirretxe and Sergio Canales to injuries in the first half - had conceded 22 goals on their previous five La Liga visits to the Bernabeu and were given a let-off when Ronaldo faltered from the spot 24 minutes in.
But when Madrid - without injured captain Sergio Ramos - earned another generous spot-kick before half-time, the Portugal star converted to quell the jeers.
Ronaldo was whistled after his initial miss and the atmosphere again turned sour when Bruma swept home his first La Liga goal four minutes into the second half.
However, Ronaldo came to the rescue again with a well-taken volley after the hour before substitute Lucas Vazquez registered his first Madrid goal late on to give Benitez breathing space despite rounding off 2015 with a somewhat lacklustre display.
Former Madrid man Canales shot high and wide a minute in before Pepe's header was smartly tipped over by Geronimo Rulli in Madrid's first sight on goal.
Rulli remained busy early on, denying Ronaldo one-on-one following a quick break before saving Benzema's strike down to his right.
Keylor Navas was then off his line quickly to thwart Agirretxe at the other end as he evaded Nacho 13 minutes in - the Sociedad man forced off as a result of a heavy collision with the goalkeeper.
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