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| Benzema and Isco celebrating during their goals against Betis in Seville |
Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid was without a number of first-team regulars including Luka Modric, Casemiro and Sergio Ramos, but his side put on a show in Seville and raced into a 4-0 lead before half-time on their way to a first victory in all competitions since September 18.
Los Blancos finally ended a run of four matches without a win in sensational fashion on Saturday as they obliterated Real Betis 6-1 in LaLiga to make a mockery of their supposed injury crisis.
Toni Kroos was instrumental in crafting the first two, teeing up Raphael Varane early on and then Karim Benzema as Madrid took charge.
Marcelo effectively ended the match as a contest with his controversial third, finding the net despite appearing to be just offside, before Isco finished a scintillating counterattack on the stroke of half-time.
Betis improved immeasurably after the break and found the net early on through Alvaro Cejudo, but Isco’s delightful second after 62 minutes killed off any hope of a miraculous comeback with the 100th goal of Zidane’s reign.
Madrid continued their search for goals and Ronaldo finally got in on the act 12 minutes from time, wrapping up a comprehensive victory and sending them into Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Legia Warsaw in fine fettle by pulling level with Liga leaders Atletico.