Gareth Bale scores twice as Real Madrid put five past Real Betis

Rafael Benitez claimed his first win as Real Madrid manager, brushing off the criticism faced since last week’s dismal season opener to thump Real Betis 5-0.

Los Blancos could only start their Liga campaign with a goalless draw against promoted side Sporting Gijon last week, prompting much criticism from the Madrid press - questioning whether the former Liverpool coach could get the best from Real’s attacking squad.

But against Real Betis Benitez’s side found their attacking groove - with Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema all finding the net. Cristiano Ronaldo was left frustrated however, as Betis goalkeeper Antonio Adan did his best to deny the Portuguese winger.

Keylor Navas also saved a penalty kick from Ruben Castro, turning in an impressive display as speculation over the potential transfer of David De Gea from Manchester United continues to swirl - with transfer deadline day fast approaching.

3’ - GOAL! Real Madrid 1 Real Betis 0: We have an early breakthrough! Real Madrid have the goal they so badly needed! James' cross finds Bale inside the area, and he heads past Adan!

8’ - WHAT A FREE-KICK FROM RONALDO! The Real Madrid number seven winds up a freekick from 29 yards and smashes it towards goal. Adan is required to tip that over the bar.

41’ - GOAL! Real Madrid 2 Real Betis 0: What a sensational goal! From a tight angle on the edge of the box James hammers a strike to the far post, actually hitting the woodwork on its way into the net.

48’ GOAL! Real Madrid 3 Real Betis 0: What an excellent team goal! James plays Bale down the right side, who crosses into Benzema - who flashes a header into the net. Great stuff.

50’ GOAL! Real Madrid 4 Real Betis 0: And there's the fourth goal. Kroos' scuffed shot finds its way into the path of James, whose first touch sets him up for the overhead kick - which he finishes.

61’ PENALTY KICK TO REAL BETIS! Varane tangles legs with Molina and the referee points to the spot. Real Betis will have the chance to claw one back from 12 yards.

62’ NAVAS MAKES THE SAVE! Castro steps up to the 12-yard mark but he sends the penalty kick effort into the gloves of the Costa Rican goalkeeper, who guessed the right way.

78’ INCREDIBLE OVERHEAD KICK! That was almost goal of the night - and there have been a couple good ones. Ramos sends an overhead kick towards goal, but it smashes off the post.

89’ GOAL! Real Madrid 5 Real Betis 0: What an incredible goal! Bale takes the shot on from about 35 yards out and smashes the strike in off the post for a 5-0 lead. Impressive.

Cristiano Ronaldo has only once before played 90 minutes in a game that finished 5-0, and not found the net.

Real Madrid played a Liga match with no academy graduate for the first time in 50 years.

Gareth Bale has scored 117 official goals over the course of his professional career (club and country), but one as fast as today's (94 seconds).

Should Rafael Benitez be concerned about Cristiano Ronaldo’s start to the season? Is it better to have no chances, or have chances and miss them? That is the question Real Madrid fans will be asking themselves after the performance of Ronaldo - who had many opportunities to find the net against Real Betis. Bale has been favoured as the central attacker by Benitez this season, with Ronaldo out on the left wing. So should the new Real Madrid coach be concerned with the form of his best player?

James Rodriguez (Real Madrid): Bale also enjoyed a sensational game in what was a fun match for Real Madrid’s forwards, but James Rodriguez was the standout performer for the home side. His free-kick and overhead kick goals were the highlight of the match - with the Colombian now one of Real Madrid’s most productive and important players.

Real Madrid: Navas 8, Marcelo 7, Ramos 7, Varane 6, Danilo 7, Modric 7, Kroos 7, James 8, Bale 8, Benzema 7, Ronaldo 6. Subs - Isco 6, Kovacic 5, Casemiro 5.

Real Betis: Adan 7, Piccini 5, Pezzella 5, Bruno 5, Molinero 4, Torres 6, N’Diaye 5, Alvaro 6, Ceballos 5, Vargas 6, Castro 5. Subs - Petros 4, Digard 4, Molina 5.