A Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick, two each from Gareth Bale and Javier Hernandez and a James Rodriguez stunner have given Real Madrid victory over Deportivo La Coruna.
A record result that showcased Madrid’s incredible attacking talent, raised some concerns about their back line but substantially more about the Depor defence.
Ronaldo got things going on the half-hour mark, meeting an Alvaro Arbeloa cross with a header of pin-point accuracy, having fed the right-back in the first place.
James doubled the advantage before the break, curling a stunning shot into the top corner from 25 yards, his first goal in La Liga.
Ronaldo got his second and Madrid’s third when German Lux rushed out to stop Karim Benzema meeting a Marcelo through ball, tripped the forward, but the advantage was played as Ronaldo stroked into the unguarded goal.
Haris Medunjanin reduced the deficit from the penalty spot after Sergio Ramos was judged to have handled, replays suggesting the award of the spot kick was a little harsh.
Madrid restored the three-goal lead just past the hour through Bale, the Wales international stepping up in what had been a quiet game. He did it again 10 minutes later, this time beating Lux without the aid of the woodwork.
Ronaldo claimed his 20th Madrid hat-trick in the League as Depor’s defence fell apart, James turning the ball over on the edge of the area and teeing up his teammate.
Toche converted a powerful header from a wicked Isaac Cuenca cross, Iker Casillas caught on his heels and the hosts showing signs of life late on.
Hernandez then capped a commanding attacking performance with a thumping left-footed volley from the edge of the penalty area, his first Madrid goal. His second came minutes later.
The opening stages were tame and balanced, offering no sign of what was to come, both sides seeing the ball but neither creating any chances of note.
Bale had the first real opportunity when Benzema’s pass fell to him but his outside-of-the-foot effort was blocked by Lux.
Madrid later broke dangerously after Deportivo made a right mess of a short corner, Luka Modric working the ball to Ronaldo but the shot was wild and wasteful.
Ronaldo did far better with the next attack of note, playing a part in the build-up then finishing it off, needing a leap of great athleticism to meet the cross on the penalty spot and beat Lux.
Lux didn’t get near James’ goal 15 minutes later but that’s no disgrace as the Colombia international echoed his World Cup form with a remarkable strike from distance.
Depor had looked competitive until the extra class of Ronaldo and James told, but Lux compounded matters with a rush of blood that gave the Portuguese an empty net and an easy finish.
Ronaldo may have been offside when scoring but if the flag had gone up, Lux would surely have been dismissed as he fouled Benzema before the ball broke to Ronaldo.
Depor were given some hope shortly after the break through the debatable penalty award, Medunjanin making no mistake, and the home side took the initiative thereafter.
Rather than find a fourth goal, Madrid’s priority was to stem the Depor tide, Asier Illarramendi’s introduction, in place of Benzema, evidence of that.
With Depor no longer able to flood forward the fourth duly arrived when Marcelo found Bale, the first time shot trickling in off the far post. Bale’s finish was cleaner 10 minutes later, a delicate finish past Lux after Isco’s through ball.
Ronaldo surpassed Bale moments later, James nicking the ball and finding the forward who lashed into the net.
Toche netted with six minutes to go but there was still time for two more goals, Hernandez claiming a brace with a remarkable cameo appearance.
Deportivo La Coruna 2-8 Real Madrid
Ronaldo 20, 41, 78, James 35, Bale 65, 75, Hernandez 87, 90+2 (RM) Medunjanin 51, Toche 84 (D)
Deportivo: Lux; Laure, Diakite, Sidnei, Luisinho; Bergantinos, Medunjanin; Juanfran (Dominguez 46), Farina, Cuenca; Postiga (Cavaleiro 46)
Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric (Isco 71), James; Bale (Hernandez 76), Benzema (Illarramendi 59), Ronaldo
Referee: Perez Montero
