Real Madrid claimed a commanding 5-0 victory over Real Betis on Saturday evening at Santiago Bernabeu.
Welshman Gareth Bale answered his critics in a great fashion as he scored twice in the first win of the 2015-16 La Liga season. Colombian James Rodrigues scored two goals either side of the break and Karim Benzema too made it to the score sheet. Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez registered his first home win as they moved up fifth on the points table, just two points behind Celta Vigo, Eibar, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
The Wales international did not take long to break the deadlock as he headed home a pinpoint pass from James into the box just two minutes into the first half. Few minutes later, Real Madrid got a free kick but Betis goalkeeper Antonio Adan pushed Ronaldo’s powerful strike over the bar.
The hosts continued to put pressure on the Andalusian club as James Rodriguez doubled the advantage on a free kick from a tight angle. The home side came out fired up for the second half and Karim Benzema made it 3-0 just after the break on a diving header. Three minutes later, James pulled off a remarkable second of the evening with an overhead kick to make it 4-0.
The visitors were rewarded a penalty just after the hour mark but Madird goalkeeper Keylor Navas managed to save Castro’s weak effort. Bale added his second in closing moments of the game as Los Blancos rebounded from weekend’s goalless draw at Sporting Gijon.
Earlier European champions Barcelona managed a narrow victory against Malaga at Camp Nou. Thomas Vermaelen saved Luis Enrique’s men from a goalless draw when Barca looked set to draw a blank against the away side for the third successive time. The former Arsenal defender smashed the only goal of the game with 17 minutes remaining.
With this victory, the defending champions maintained their 100 percent win record so far this season. IMAGE/bleacherreport.com