Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema all score as Real Madrid thrash Getafe

Real Madrid put their Copa del Rey controversy behind them with a thumping 4-1 derby win over Getafe.

Real were disqualified from the cup competition 24 hours earlier for fielding an ineligible player, Russia winger Denis Cheryshev, who scored the opening goal in their win against Cadiz on Wednesday.

Cheryshev was named among the substitutes against Getafe as Real, who will appeal against their expulsion, recalled their big guns for the Primera Division clash.

And superstar trio Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo were all on target in the first half to provide a morale-boosting end to another difficult week at the Bernabeu.

Benzema struck the opener after just four minutes when he tucked away a cross from Pepe.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

---

The France striker almost doubled their advantage five minutes later, but his header from James Rodriguez's cross was saved by Vicente Guaita.

But Benzema did not have to wait long to grab his second, coolly slotting the ball past Guaita from Bale's header in the 16th minute.

Bale and Rodriguez went close with shots which flew narrowly wide, before Damian Suarez fired narrowly over for the visitors.

Bale did get in on the act after 35 minutes when he latched onto Ronaldo's header to fire home his fourth goal of the season, and his second in two games.

Not to be outdone, Ronaldo made it four goals in his last three outings three minutes later following a lightning counter attack.

Toni Kroos fed the Portugal international, who fired across Guaita and into the bottom left-hand corner.

Bale could have made it five before half-time when he found space in the box again, only this time the Welshman dragged his shot wide.

Benzema had a chance to complete his hat-trick four minutes into the second half, but his shot flew high and wide.

However, Real took their foot off the gas as the second half progressed and instead a rare Getafe attack provided them with a consolation goal.

With 70 minutes on the clock, Pedro Leon floated in a corner and defender Alexis rose highest to nod the ball past home keeper Keylor Navas.

Kroos could have added a fifth five minutes from the end after being teed up by Lucas Vazquez but Guaita made a fine save.