Real Madrid are in complete control of their Champions League opener against Basel as they lead 4-1 at half time.
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Madrid started the game on the front foot and Cristiano Ronaldo tested Tomas Vaclik from range as he was offered space outside the box, although his shot went just over the bar.
The reigning champions went ahead in the 14th minute when James Rodriguez played Nacho behind the Basel defence with a neat back-heel, and the defender's cross was turned into his own net by Marek Suchy.
Carlo Ancelotti's side nearly doubled their lead when Pepe's headed effort from a corner was fumbled by Vaclik, but no Madrid player managed to turn the ball into the net before the keeper could punch it away.
Madrid did get their second goal when Luka Modric picked out Gareth Bale with a pinpoint pass and the Wales international showed composure to lift the ball over the keeper, before placing the ball into the net.
The home side continued to display their clinical edge in front of goal as Ronaldo added a third goal as he latched on to Bale's cross into the box and slotted the ball into the net.
Madrid continued to find the net with ease as they made it four when Karim Benzema and Ronald linked up to see the Frenchman fire an effort at goal, and although his effort was saved Rodriguez was on hand to turn in the rebound.
However, Basel did get a goal back almost immediately as Derlis Gonzalez raided upfield on a counter-attack before blasting an effort past Iker Casillas into the net.
Simon Sinclair
