Real Madrid smash five past Granada to equal Barcelona's record run

Real Madrid continued their blistering start to 2017 with a commanding 5-0 win over Granada, equalling Barcelona’s record for the longest unbeaten run of any Spanish side side.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Isco, Karim Benzema and Dani Carvajal all found the net in the rout at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Zinedine Zidane’s side establishing a six-point lead over Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

Isco opened the scoring after just 12 minutes and the capital club never looked back from that moment on. Benzema turned home a close range finish following a Luka Modric shot, with Ronaldo putting Real Madrid 3-0 up after 27 minutes on a day when he showed off his fourth Ballon d'Or before kick-off.

And it was 4-0 after 31 minutes when Isco bundled home from Modric’s cut-back, settling the contest before the half-time break. Casemiro netted a rare goal in the second half, with Isco withdrawn with a minor knock.

Real Madrid have now gone 39 games without losing in all competitions, and on the basis of this performance they won’t be losing any time soon.

When will Real Madrid’s unbeaten run end? This result stretched Real Madrid’s lead at the top of La Liga to six points and underlined their standing as the favourites to win the title this season. Zidane’s side have now gone 39 games without losing, and on the standard of their past two performances that run could go on a while longer. Real Madrid are imposing themselves on the Spanish game in the way Barcelona did not so long ago.

Isco (Real Madrid): It was somewhat surprising that Isco was favoured over James Rodriguez given the level of the Colombian’s performance against Sevilla in the Copa del Rey during the week, but he vindicated his selection. The playmaker bagged a brace and could have netted his first ever senior hat-trick, but everything Real Madrid did well flowed through him.

Real Madrid: Navas 6, Carvajal 7, Varane 5, Nacho 7, Ronaldo 7, Kroos 5, Benzema 7, Marcelo 7, Casemiro 7, Modric 7, Isco 8. Subs: Coentrao 5, Asensio 6, James 7.

Granada: Ochoa 5, Tito 6, Tabanou 4, Lomban 5, Vezo 5, Silva 6, Boga 5, Samper 4, Agbo 5, Pereira 6, Kravets 5. Subs: Bueno 5, Marquez 4, Ponce 5.

12’ - GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Granada: There's the opening goal and unsurprisingly it has gone the way of Real Madrid. Isco was played through on goal and managed to squeeze a shot underneath Ochoa.

20’ - GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Granada: There's the second goal. Real Madrid have doubled their advantage. Modric's shot is parried out by Ochoa and Benzema was on hand to poke home the rebound.

27’ - GOAL! Real Madrid 3-0 Granada: Real Madrid have their third and Ronaldo has his first. It was the Ballon d'Or who headed home from close range, but Marcelo created it with the cross.

31’ - GOAL! Real Madrid 4-0 Granada: This is becoming a rout now. Modric gets in behind the opposition defence and passes right across the face of goal for Isco to bundle home from close range.

57’ - GOAL! Real Madrid 5-0 Granada: There's another goal for the home side. Real Madrid have five this afternoon! Casemiro was completely unmarked at the back post and turns home a James freekick.

Real Madrid have now equalled Barcelona's Spanish record of 39 games unbeaten in all competitions.

James Rodriguez has now been directly involved in 64 goals in 96 games for Real Madrid in all competitions.