James Rodriguez stars in Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale’s absence as Real Madrid down Sevilla

Real Madrid got 2017 off to a blistering start, blowing away Sevilla with a commanding 3-0 win to put one foot in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.

James Rodriguez bagged a brace, with Raphael Varane also finding the net, as Zinedine Zidane’s side laid down a marker for the year ahead and extended their unbeaten run to an astonishing 38 games, all without any of their famed front three.

Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo all missed out, with Luka Modric, Alvaro Morata, Marcelo and James stepping up as Real’s standout performers at the Santiago Bernabeu. This was one of their best displays of the season so far, with Jorge Sampaoli’s side comprehensively beaten.

Real Madrid will take a commanding advantage into next week’s second leg at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, when Benzema and Ronaldo may return to the first team fold. The tie might already be dead in the water, especially with the capital club in this form.

Linked with a move to the Premier League for much of the season, James found himself on the peripheries of things at Real Madrid in 2016. But in his first outing of the new year he proved just how dangerous and influential he can be. Zidane insists the Colombian will stay in the Spanish capital, but could this display show to him that James deserves to play a bigger role in his plans?

The left back is one of the most underrated players in the European game, but he showcased his brilliance in this match. Sevilla failed top get a grip of Marcelo all night, with much of Real Madrid’s best attacking moves flowing through the Brazilian. He is a true great of Zidane’s side and his influence shouldn’t be understated.

Real Madrid - Casilla 6, Carvajal 6, Varane 7, Nacho 7, Marcelo 9, Casemiro 8, Modric 9, Asensio 7, Kroos 7, James 9, Morata 7.

Sevilla - Rico 6, Mariano 5, Rami 6, Mercado 6, Escudero 7, N’Zonzi 5, Iborra 5, Nasri 5, Ganso 5, Vitolo 5, Correa 6.

11’ GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Sevilla: Real Madrid have taken the lead early on! Their pressing game forces the mistake and James finds the bottom corner with an exceptional curling finish.

28’ WHAT AN EFFORT! That would have been one of the goals of the season. James' deep cross found Marcelo at the back post, with the left back striking it flush on the full volley. But Rico makes the save at his near post.

30’ GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Sevilla: The hosts have doubled their advantage! Varane rises highest from a Kroos corner kick and finds the back of the net with a powerful header.

34’ WHAT A MISS! Sevilla are presented with an excellent chance, with Correa's shot saved by Casilla. But with the goal gaping Iborra managed to slice his effort well wide. Wow.

44’ GOAL! Real Madrid 3-0 Sevilla: Real Madrid have their third goal of the night and James has his second. Rico went early and the Colombian rather nonchalantly rolled the ball into the opposite corner.

James Rodriguez has scored four goals against Sevilla, more than against any other team (in all competitions).

11 of the last 15 James has scored (in all competitions) have been from outside the box.

Real Madrid have now gone 38 games unbeaten (in all competitions).