Real Madrid 5-0 Deportivo: Zidane era starts with bang

Zinedine Zidane's era as Real Madrid manager got off to a flyer, with Gareth Bale scoring a hat-trick to sink Deportivo de la Coruna at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Madrid were lucky not to go behind when in-form striker Lucas Perez was set free in the box, but Costa Rican stopper Keylor Navas made an excellent save from his low strike.

It was a big opportunity for Deportivo to miss and before long they were made to rue it, with Karim Benzema sending Real Madrid ahead. Sergio Ramos fired a corner towards goal and the French striker scored the first goal of his compatriot's Real reign with a clever backheel. 

Bale made it two, continuing a good streak of form on a personal level, nodding home after Dani Carvajal - prefered to Danilo by Zidane - crossed from the right.

Perez missed another good opportunity in the first half, blazing well off-target when set in down the left.

Cristiano wasted a fine chance too, after a cheeky Bale chip beat the defence, but the Portuguese headed against the post.

Bale notched two more in the second half, firing home after Ronaldo's low cross to the edge of the box, before he headed home a corner.

Six of the Welshman's 12 La Liga goals this season have come with his head. 

The only blot on Madrid's copybook was Ronaldo being unable to find the net, despite several efforts at goal - 10, to be precise.

Cristiano left frustrated, with his final effort spoiled as he stumbled under pressure, with Benzema romping home the fifth when the ball broke loose.