IN SPORT.ES
Real Madrid played badly in the first half but well in the second as Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema filled the gap left by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Instant memories of their capitulation at Montilivi last season came flooding back when Borja Garcia opened the scoring by blasting home when the ball spilled to him in the area, but despite Girona’s first half efforts, eventually Madrid’s quality told.
They needed some luck, in the shape of two penalties needlessly conceded for fouls on Marco Asensio, six minutes either side of half-time.
First it was Marc Muniesa who fouled the former Mallorca player, with Sergio Ramos executing a Panenka to pull Madrid level.
Then Karim Benzema tucked away the spot kick when Pere Pons hacked Asensio.
That opened the game up and from there, there was no looking back.
Gareth Bale scored a fine third after a great assist from Isco, while the Welshman turned provider for the fourth, teeing up Karim Benzema.
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Finally a thought for Thibaut Courtois, who had a bad night, the Belgian goalkeeper watching on from the bench as Keylor ‘the cat’ Navas produced some fine saves to keep Girona at bay.