No Ronaldo, no Bale, no problem: Real Madrid cruise past Eibar

Real Madrid made eight changes from their midweek draw with Las Palmas but had far too much for Eibar as they got back to winning ways with a 4-1 win. 

Karim Benzema ended a two-month wait for a league goal with a first half double, with James Rodriguez also on target before the break. 

Marco Asensio made it four in the second period before Ruben Jimenez Pena pulled back a consolation goal for Eibar at Ipurua. 

Madrid were without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo and the suspended Gareth Bale, while Zinedine Zidane also decided to leave Dani Carvajal and Marcelo on the bench. 

It didn't prove detrimental to his side's hopes, though, as Benzema returned to form. 

He poked home at the second attempt to end a seven-game wait for a La Liga goal to open the scoring and then was on the end of a James free-kick to double Madrid's lead. 

Benzema then turned provider, crossing for James to score the third. 

James was again involved in the fourth goal, hitting the post after Asensio led a Blancos break, scoring the rebound as the Colombian's shot came back of the woodwork. 

Ruben Pena's goal was the least Eibar deserved for a spirited second half performance and it came moments after they'd had a goal ruled out for offside. 

Madrid go back to the top of the league for now, although they will be back in second if Barcelona beat Celta Vigo later on Saturday.