Real Madrid picked up their first win of the new La Liga campaign after thrashing Real Betis 5-0 at the Bernabeu
Gareth Bale opened the scoring for the home side inside two minutes after heading James Rodriguez's cross home
James Rodriguez increased Real Madrid's lead with a wonderfully struck free-kick that cannoned in off the post
Karim Benzema rounded off a brilliant team move to put Real Madrid three ahead two minutes after half-time
Colombia international James grabbed his second of the game with a spectacular overhead kick minutes later
Ruben Castro had the chance to pull a goal back for Betis but saw his second-half penalty saved by Keylor Navas
Bale completed the rout for Real Madrid with a rasping drive from near to 30 yards out
By Pete Jenson for MailOnline
Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez both scored twice and Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas saved a penalty as Rafa Benitez’s side thrashed Real Betis.
Navas’ name echoed around the Santiago Bernabeu after one fine first half save and even more loudly in the second half when he blocked Ruben Castro’s spot-kick.
Real Madrid could yet sign David de Gea before the window closes on Tuesday but it is clear that waiting for him to become a free agent next summer would not be a controversial decision – Navas has never been so popular.
With the Costan Rican keeper having his finest night since joining Real Madrid last summer and Bale back to his very best form it was also a night for comebacks.
Karim Benzema, who also scored, was back in the team, and so was Colombian midfielder James whose breathtaking brace was the highlight of the 5-0 demolition of Pepe Mel’s newly-promoted side.
The Colombian was the star of the show right from Real’s first goal when he sent a dipping cross into the area and Bale timed his run perfectly to send a stooping header from 10 yards out past the onrushing Betis keeper Antonio Adan.
There were 94 seconds on the clock making it the fastest goal of his Real Madrid career so far.
Real Madrid could have doubled their lead several times before the half hour. Benzema nearly headed in a Ronaldo cross just failing to meet the centre, Toni Kroos sent a long shot just wide, and Adan had to stand up well to block a Ronaldo shot at his near post.
On 38 minutes it was 2-0 and it was James who got it taking the paint off Adan’s far post as he bent in a left-footed free-kick from the right-hand side of the penalty area after Ronaldo had been fouled by Francisco Molinero.
There was still time for Navas to save at the feet of Ruben Castro as Betis squandered their best chance of the first half. It was a significant moment as with Florentino Perez in the directors box pondering that big money move for De Gea, the Bernabeu crowd began to chant 'Keylor! Keylor!'.
It’s been a long time since supporters have united behind a Real keeper. The club could still move for De Gea but it’s clear there will be no supporter protests if they don’t.
MATCH FACTS
REAL MADRID XI: Navas; Danilo, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos (Casemiro 64), Modric (Kovacic 75); James, Bale, Ronaldo; Benzema (Isco 53)
- Subs not used: Pepe, Casilla, Carvajal, Jese
- Scorers: Bale 2, 88, James 39, 49, Benzema 47
- Booked: Kroos, Casemiro
REAL BETIS XI: Adan; Piccini, Pezzella, Bruno, Molinero (Molina 45); Torres, N'Diaye (Petros 81), Cejudo, Vargas; Ceballos (Digard 53), Castro
- Subs not used: Gimenez, Rennella, Westermann, Portillo
- Missed penalty: Castro 61
- Booked: Vargas, Molinero, Torres
- Referee: Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez
Having scored after a minute and a half of the first half Real Madrid repeated the trick in the second period with Bale this time providing the assist with a superb right-footed cross that Benzema headed past Adan.
The Bernabeu were then treated to more James magic when a Kroos shot bobbled up 10-yards out and the Colombian acrobatically bicycle-kicked it past Adan for the fourth.
Only a goal against would have ruined Real Madrid’s night but Navas saw to it that that didn’t happen.
Varane kicked fresh-air while trying to dispossess Molina and when the Betis player went down over his out-stretched leg the referee pointed to the spot. Navas dived to his left and blocked the penalty, and for the second time in the game his name echoed around the Bernabeu.
There was still time for Sergio Ramos to thunder a bicycle kick against a post, referee Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez to need treatment on an ankle injury, and Bale to blast in his second of the night to complete the rout.
The stadium clock showed Saturday night having given way to Sunday morning (such are Spain’s 10.30pm kick-offs). As it continues to tick down towards the closing of the transfer window Navas could have done no more to ensure he stays number one at Real Madrid.
