Bale and Benzema score as Real Madrid prove too strong for Girona

Seeking second win of new Primera Liga season, European champions went behind after Borja Garcia opened scoring for Girona after 17 minutes

Gareth 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. Reuters

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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Gareth Bale shines during Real Madrid's stroll over Getafe

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