Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo scored the goals as Real Madrid beat Cordoba 2-0 at the Bernabeu this evening.
The away side matched their more illustrious opponents for long spells, but could not make their second-half pressure count.
Here, Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed during the La Liga affair in the capital.
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REAL MADRID
Goal
Iker Casillas: Seems to have re-established himself as the number one goalkeeper this season and continued his solid recent form with a comfortable display between the sticks. (6/10)
Defence
Alvaro Arbeloa: A surprise starter in place of Dani Carvajal, but the Spaniard did not really take his chance. Proved a threat going forward, but his passing was wayward at times. (6/10)
Pepe: Found Havenaar tough to handle in the first half, but made some important clearances in the second period. Difficult to criticise his club form over the last 12 months. (7/10)
Sergio Ramos: Another strong performance from the centre-back, who was aerially dominant and calm in possession. Has formed a brilliant partnership with Pepe. (7/10)
Marcelo: Had a comfortable first period, but has tested defensively in the second half. A decent showing, but still not at his best following the World Cup. (6/10)
Midfield
Toni Kroos: Had a couple of long-range efforts in the first period and controlled the tempo from a central position, but not as involved as he would have liked in forward areas. (6/10)
Luka Modric: Passing was unusually wayward at times and he did not have much of an influence in central areas. Performs better in a three-man midfield. (6/10)
James Rodriguez: Bright in spells, but not too influential. Had a brilliant chance to score his first league goal for Madrid in the second half, but fired his effort straight at the goalkeeper. (6/10)
Attack
Cristiano Ronaldo: Lost an ongoing battle with the offside flag, but made sure that he has now scored against every La Liga team with a rasping strike late on. (7/10)
Karim Benzema: Ended his goal drought with a bullet header in the first period and was more involved than previous matches. Better from the Frenchman. (7/10)
Gareth Bale: Looked slightly off-the-pace in Madrid. Always dangerous in possession, but struggled to really influence proceedings in the final third. (6/10)
Substitutes
Isco: Bright and inventive upon entry and offered a different threat in attack, but has a serious task on his hands to secure a regular first-team spot this season. (7/10)
Dani Carvajal: Was a surprise that the right-back did not start, but he made his point on the field with a dominant attacking display in the latter stages. (7/10)
Sami Khedira: Seemed to be on his way out of Madrid following a breakdown in contract talks, but was used as a defensive shield in the final 15 minutes this evening. (6/10)
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CORDOBA
Goal
Juan Carlos: Might have done better with Madrid's second, but made some very smart saves throughout the contest. A strong showing at the Bernabeu. (6/10)
Defence
Adrian Gunino: Was not overawed by the extreme talent in the Madrid attack. A strong presence in the back four and comfortable in possession of the ball. (6/10)
Inigo Lopez: Used all his experience to help control the defensive line. Played a big role in a strong defensive showing from the newly-promoted outfit. (7/10)
Aleksandar Pantic: Another that was making his debut this evening in a new-look defence. Matched Ronaldo & Co. physically and mentally for long spells. (7/10)
Jose Angel Crespo: Impressive on his Cordoba debut. Thwarted the interchanging Madrid attack and was also a threat down the other end. A man-of-the-match performance from the full-back. (8/10)
Midfield
Fausto Rossi: Cordoba beat off a host of clubs to sign the midfielder this summer and he was impressive on his debut. Never stopped running and made a host of important clearances. (7/10)
Aritz Lopez Garai: Found it difficult to exert his influence in the middle of the park, but was neat and tidy in possession of the ball. (6/10)
Daniel Pinillos: Picked up a booking in the first period, but proved a busy presence in the middle of the park. Another that could be a key player this season. (6/10)
Attack
Ryder Matos: Full of pace, but struggled to make his mark in a first half that was dominated by the home team. (5/10)
Mike Havenaar: Had a wonderful chance to level late in the first period, but headed over from close range. Gave Pepe a difficult time until he was surprisingly substituted. (6/10)
Lopez Silva: Like Matos, struggled to make his mark in the first period, but did improve in the second. (5/10)
Substitutes
Fede Cartabia: A real bright spark. Immediately added an injection of pace to the Cordoba attack and put in some brilliant crosses. Has to start their next match. (7/10)
Fidel: Like Cartabia, influenced the game from the bench. Was bright and inventive, but should have scored late on when presented with the ball just outside the box. (7/10)
Xisco: Had a goal disallowed minutes after entering and certainly made a difference from the bench. All three Cordoba substitutes this evening influenced proceedings. (6/10)
Matt Law
