Real Madrid thump Alaves as Benzema scores twice in Ancelotti's return (Match Highlights)

Alaves 1-4 Real Madrid: Karim Benzema scores two goals to help Real Madrid kick off their La Liga campaign with a victory in Carlo Ancelotti's return

Real Madrid beat Alaves 2-0 in their La Liga opening as Karim Benzema scored twice as Carlo Ancelotti and Gareth Bale both returned to the club.

Bale was included in former Everton manager Ancelotti's first starting XI after returning from a loan spell at Tottenham.

Eden Hazard set up Benzema's first goal with a brilliant flick, then Nacho increased the lead with a volley.

Alaves' Joselu scored from the spot and Benzema netted again before Real's Vinicius Jr scored a late fourth.

After a free transfer from Bayern Munich, David Alaba made his Real debut at left-back, setting up Vinicius goal.

Real Madrid struggled in the first half but dominated after the interval, with Hazard looking in fine shape despite the fitness issues that have hampered his stint at the club thus far.

The Belgium playmaker's backheel pass for Benzema's opener was particularly impressive.

Bale's Real Madrid career appears to have been resurrected following Ancelotti's appointment, as he struggled to break into Zinedine Zidane's lineup before moving to Spurs for a year. He last played for Real against Mallorca in June 2020.

Alaves 1-4 Real Madrid: Watch the full match highlights