Real Madrid recover from derby gloom to hammer Basel in Europe
Real Madrid put their la Liga troubles to one side to thump Swiss side FC Basel as their defence of the Champions League got off to the simplest of starts.
After back-to-back defeats against Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti claimed his side needed more time to gel after the World Cup and a summer of ins and outs disrupted their pre-season.
A 5-1 win against Basel doesn't mean they've clicked with three days, though, but it will give Madrid some much needed confidence.
Five of the game's six goals were scored in the first half, with only Karim Benzema, who was booed by the Bernabeu before the match, scoring in the second half.
Nacho Fernandez's strike opened the scoring, although it will go down as a Marek Suchy own goal in the history books.
Luka Modric delightful pass set up Gareth Bale for Los Blancos' second, with the same two players combining to create Cristiano Ronaldo's goal in the 31st minute.
James Rodriguez soon weighed in, adding the fourth, before Derlis Gonzalez pulled one back just before half time.
The second half didn't live up to the standards set in the opening 45 minutes, but Madrid won't mind - five goals and three points sets them up nicely for Deportivo la Coruna this weekend.
