Highlights: Real Madrid 5-1 Rayo Vallecano - Bale scores on return as Madrid remain on top

Cristiano Ronaldo and co celebrate as they eased past Rayo Vallecano

Real Madrid cruised to a 5-1 victory at home against relegation zone club Rayo Vallecano with five different scorers registering on the night for the Blancos.

Gareth Bale returned in the starting lineup as manager Carlo Ancelotti fielded him on the left flank in a 4-4-2 formation ahead of Isco while James Rodriguez lined up aside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in midfield.

And the first breakthrough came in the 9th minute after Ronaldo freed Kroos on the left wing who delivered a low cross for Bale to open to scoring. Vallecano dominated the possession as Real had to chase the ball for most parts in the first half. But it was the whites who found the net against their neighbours again as Sergio Ramos scored his 50th career goal from a Rodriguez delivery from the corner.

Before the half-time whistle, Rayo gave themselves some hope as they pulled one back to make it 2-1, after James made a blunder at the back and misplaced his pass which landed at Bueno’s feet and he converted the chance.

The second half saw three goals from the home side as Ronaldo set up Kroos, who scored his first goal for the club with a brilliantly placed shot. Benzema made it 4-0 from a clear offside position, but the decision wasn’t given. Nonetheless, Madrid began to distance themselves away from the visitors as

Finally, the game was wrapped up by Ronaldo, who scored his 18th La Liga goal of the season after Rayo goalkeeper Cristian Alvarez fumbled his effort to conclude another goal fest from the hosts.

Here are all the goals from the match.

Goal 1: Real Madrid 1-0 Rayo Vallecano – Gareth Bale

Goal 2: Real Madrid 2-0 Rayo Vallecano – Sergio Ramos

Goal 3: Real Madrid 2-1 Rayo Vallecano – Alberto Bueno

Goal 4: Real Madrid 3-1 Rayo Vallecano – Toni Kroos

Goal 5: Real Madrid 4-1 Rayo Vallecano – Karim Benzema

Goal 6: Real Madrid 5-1 Rayo Vallecano – Cristiano Ronaldo