Half-Time Report: Real Madrid in control against Real Betis

Real Madrid are on course to win their first La Liga match of the season after taking a 2-0 lead into the break of their clash with Real Betis this evening.

It took the hosts just two minutes to break the deadlock, as Gareth Bale broke clear of the defence to head in from James Rodriguez's cross.

Karim Benzema almost added a second for Madrid soon after, but his powerful strike was beaten to safety by Antonio Adan.

Rafael Benitez's side kept up the early pressure and Cristiano Ronaldo tried his luck with a dipping free kick from long range that was palmed away by the keeper.

Ronaldo threatened again later in the half as he burst into the box and shrugged off his marker, before seeing his low strike blocked by Adan.

Madrid kept up the pressure and they doubled their lead in the 37th minute when James lashed a ferocious free kick across the keeper and into the far corner of the net.

Betis almost pulled a goal back before half time, but Ruben Castro took too many touches inside the box and allowed Keylor Navas to dive at his feet and make a crucial save.