Gareth Bale opened the scoring in the 7th minute for Real Madrid on Sunday, when Toni Kroos sent a corner to the perfectly placed Welshman. Bale’s sweetly timed header found its mark and Real Madrid took a 1-0 lead. Two minutes later, Benzema sent a fine ball to Ronaldo, who spun around, steadied himself and fired a left-footer from 18 yards that found the top corner. After Ronaldo’s incredible shot into the Sporting goal made it 2-0 for Real, it was the turn of Karim Benzema in the 12th minute. The Frenchman did not look in a great position, when Bale sent a cross to him from right. But the brilliant Benzema surprised Sporting defenders as he produced a stunning bicycle kick that flew to the bottom corner. With his side taking a massive 3-0 lead inside the first quarter of an hour, Zinedine Zidane was visibly ecstatic. The fourth goal for the rampant Real was not far away. It came from Ronaldo, who moved quickly after watching Dani Carvajal shaping for a low cross. The Portuguese produced a fine left-footed shot that went to the far corner.
With 5 goals scored 4 minutes before halftime, Zidane and Real Madrid fans couldn’t have asked for more. But, in between, Bale and Benzema picked up injuries and Zidane had some concern. He brought in Jese Rodrigues after the break but that did not add to Real’s tally of goals further. A relaxed Real Madrid paid the price when Sporting launched an attack and scored in the 62nd minute. Jony turned provider as he sent a promising cross for Isma Lopez, who took advantage of Real’s sloppy defending as he shot through and reduced the deficit to 5-1.
Regardless, the consolation goal by Sporting did little to dampen the feel-good factor that has been sweeping across Bernabeu after Zidane’s arrival. There were some sore notes in the match though. Zidane kept Colombian James Rodrigues away for most part just as his predecessor Rafael Benitez had been doing. James was brought in only for a few minutes but by then, nothing needed to be done. For next Sunday’s game with Betis, Zidane has kept the cards close to his chest. James’ tenure at Bernabeu is causing serious issues and whether or not, he would find his place in the next game is a huge question mark. If Bale and Benzema don’t figure in the starting line-up against Betis, James should logically find a place. However, James inclusion in the playing XI has more to do with his current relationship with Real Madrid bosses than his football talent. With rumors circulating about James’ possible acquisition by Manchester United, time only will tell the truth.