Real Madrid got their La Liga campaign off to an unconvincing start as they beat newly promoted Cordoba 2-0 at home on Monday thanks to goals from Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Without the Manchester United bound Angel di Maria, Real missed the Argentine’s energy in midfield but went ahead 15 minutes before half-time when Benzema rose highest to head home Toni Kroos’ corner.
Cordoba had their chances to equalise after the break as Iker Casillas denied Ryder Matos and Fidel, but Ronaldo sealed the game in stoppage time with a characteristic thumping finish into the bottom corner from 30 yards.