Karim Benzema netted twice and Gareth Bale scored a trademark goal as Real Madrid overcame an early scare at Girona to win 4-1 on Sunday.
Seeking their second win of the new Primera Liga season, the European champions went behind after Borja Garcia opened the scoring for Girona with a superb goal after 17 minutes.
Madrid briefly looked rattled as Girona probed and Marcelo was continually exposed in the Madrid defence.
But the inevitable comeback started when Marco Asensio was sent tumbling to the turf by a clumsy challenge and captain Sergio Ramos scored with an audacious 'panenka' penalty on 39 minutes.
Asensio won his side's second spot kick as Pere Pons lunged at the Madrid forward.
This time it was Karim Benzema who stepped up to stroke home the penalty for his first goal of the season.
Bale produced a typical finish for Madrid's third goal, sprinting away from the Girona defence after being released by a wonderful pass from Isco and calmly steering the ball home.
Benzema scored his second on 80 minutes as he collected Bale's tempting cross and had time to turn and power the ball home.
The referee referred the goal to VAR for suspected offside but the goal was allowed to stand.
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Read more:
Dembele and Griezmann score as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid eke out wins
How Manchester City are expanding empire into Barcelona’s backyard
Spain players 'unanimously against' plans to play league games in US
The modern trend of increased competition among goalkeepers
Gareth Bale shines during Real Madrid's stroll over Getafe
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE SPECS
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Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
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Company%20Profile
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
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