Benitez sees goals as vindication after Real Madrid puts 5 past Betis

Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez made it clear that he will not be swayed by the opinion of either the press or the fans after watching his side cruise to a 5-0 win over Betis.

That win put an end to a worrying start to the season which had seen Benitez's side struggle for goals and which had seen his decision to play Gareth Bale in a central role questioned.

Bale was one of the big successes on a night in which Benitez's side were rarely troubled as the Welsh forward scored two goals and set up Karim Benzema for his side's third.

James Rodriguez, who had been missing from the 0-0 draw in Gijon a week ago, was also on form with two goals of his own and the cross which allowed Bale to open the scoring in the second minute of the game.

"I don't mind who scores the goals and if they receive praise from the press, then I am happier still," said Benitez after the game which finished in the early hours of the morning.

"I am looking for balance in our play and I have tried to give the players freedom in the final third of the pitch and today we attacked and defended well."

"The positive side of tonight was clear from the first five minutes - the team was aggressive, attacking and immersed in the game," added the coach, who highlighted the need for players to ignore many things which are written about them in the press or on social media websites.

Benitez explained James had not played earlier as a result of his appearances in the Copa America this summer. "There's no debate. He's still got to build up rhythm and his quality is not in question," said the coach.

When asked about goalkeeper, Keylor Navas, who saved a penalty from Ruben Castro with the score 4-0, Benitez preferred not to discuss the goalkeeper's future at the club, which could be threatened by the arrival of David de Gea

"I am delighted with the three goalkeepers and I just want to enjoy this 5-0 win. I am very happy with all of the players I have," he insisted. Endi