MADRID: Real Madrid got their season up and running when Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez struck twice to fuel their 5-0 thrashing of Real Betis in their home opener on Saturday while La Liga champions Barcelona edged Malaga 1-0 to maintain their perfect start.

New coach Rafa Benitez restored James to the starting line-up against last season’s second division winners after he was controversially left out in the 0-0 draw at another promoted side, Sporting Gijon, on the opening weekend.

The Colombian was in scintillating form at the Bernabeu, crossing for Bale to head home in only the second minute and increasing the lead with a vicious free kick from a tight angle in the 39th.

Bale turned provider at the start of the second period for Karim Benzema to head home the third before James produced another spectacular effort with an overhead kick to make it 4-0.

Betis had a chance to pull a goal back when Raphael Varane conceded a penalty for a foul on substitute Jorge Molina but Keylor Navas saved Ruben Castro’s weak 61st-minute effort.

Bale, who overshadowed an out-of-sorts Cristiano Ronaldo, sealed a resounding win with a long-range effort a minute from time that cannoned in off a post.

“We were able to finish more accurately today,” Real full back Marcelo told Spanish television.

“It was a very good performance,” added the Brazil international. “But we’re just at the start and there are many things still to improve.”

While Real eased to the convincing win, Barca needed Thomas Vermaelen to score his first goal for the defending champions to secure a second straight win at Camp Nou.

Vermaelen succeeded where Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar failed as he fired the only goal of the game past the excellent Carlos Kameni 18 minutes from time.

He started in place of the suspended Gerard Pique, and his goal marks quite a turnaround for a player who only appeared in the final league match of last season because of nagging injuries that had previously limited him before his arrival from Arsenal.

“Everyone knows what I went through,” said Vermaelen. “The pre-season was very important and the coach [Luis Enrique] gave me the opportunity to show what I am capable of. I am very grateful.”

Barca lead Real by two points after two rounds, but it was Celta Vigo who took the overnight lead on goal difference after crushing 10-man Rayo Vallecano 3-0 with Nolito scoring twice.

Gijon spoiled Asier Illarramendi’s return to Real Sociedad’s midfield after rejoining from Real Madrid this week when they held the Basque club, coached by Scot David Moyes, to a 0-0 draw in San Sebastian.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2015

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