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Real Madrid secured a 5-2 victory over Celta Vigo on Sunday evening, with Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior among the goals at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Carlo Ancelotti named a strong starting lineup that saw the return of Luka Modric, although Gareth Bale missed out due to a thigh injury.
Things got off to a horrible start for Los Blancos, who found themselves behind after just four minutes. A terrible defensive mix-up saw Iago Aspas tee up Santi Mina, and the former Valencia man made no mistake from close range.
Vinicius Junior went close for an immediate equalizer, but his header from a corner was saved at point-blank range by Matias Dituro.
Real Madrid upped the ante and deservedly drew level through Karim Benzema in the 24th minute. The Frenchman converted Federico Valverde's one-time cross into the box, leaving Dituro with no chance.
Celta Vigo went ahead just seven minutes later through Franco Cervi. Real Madrid failed to clear their lines, allowing the midfielder to go one-on-one with Thibaut Courtois.
The Argentine's initial effort bounced back off the post, but he was on hand to convert the rebound into the unguarded net.
Real Madrid thought they drew level in the 39th minute, but the linesman curtailed celebrations for an offside in the buildup. This saw the visitors hold a marginal lead at the break.
It took just two minutes after the restart for the hosts to draw level. Miguel Gutierrez sent a delightful cross into the box, and Karim Benzema found the back of the net with an expertly-placed header.
Real Madrid went ahead for the first time on the night in the 54th minute. Gutierrez was once again the provider as he sent Vinicius on his way with a pristine through ball.
The Brazil international showed great composure to time his run to perfection before slotting the ball past Matias Dituro.
At this point, the capital side smelled blood and dominated proceedings for the rest of the half, with two goals to show for their efforts.
The first of those goals saw Eduardo Camavinga convert from close range six minutes into his debut after Luka Modric's shot was parried into his path.
Real Madrid were then awarded a penalty after Denis Suarez felled Vinicius Junior in the box. Karim Benzema made no mistake from 12 yards in the 87th minute.
The victory saw Real Madrid maintain their unbeaten start to the season as they climbed up to the summit of the standings in La Liga.
Here are five talking points from the highly entertaining game.
#5 Real Madrid launch refurbished Santiago Bernabeu in perfect fashion
Real Madrid have embarked on a mega upgrade and renovation of the iconic Santiago Bernabeu, which saw the historic stadium out of use for almost two years.
While renovations were ongoing, the club made their training ground - the Estadio Alfredo di Stefano - their temporary home.
Plans were put in place for the renovations to start at the end of the 2019-20 season. However, restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic saw Real Madrid resume at their training ground post-lockdown.
Club management put all hands on deck to get the stadium ready. The result was a state-of-the-art edifice at par with the club's iconic standing in the global game.
The game against Celta Vigo saw Real Madrid return to their spiritual home after 560 days away. The Galicians threatened to spoil the party atmosphere, but the hosts ultimately came through to relaunch their stadium with a convincing victory.
Although there are still some final details to iron out, the upgrade at the Bernabeu was clear for everyone to see. The players deserve credit for marking the occasion with a convincing victory.
#4 Defensive issues remain a problem for Carlo Ancelotti
Real Madrid lost the services of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane in one fell swoop this summer. The duo has been the defensive backbone of the club's successes over the last decade and replacing them was going to be no mean feat.
This season has seen the 13-time European champions struggle at the back, and their defensive lapses were painfully obvious against Celta Vigo.
Eder Militao and Nacho Fernandez started at the heart of the Real Madrid defence. However, Eduardo Coudet's side exploited the spaces left behind, and the hosts were at sixes and sevens while trying to curtail the threat of Iago Aspas and Santi Mina.
The visitors cut open the defense time and again, particularly in the first half, and were able to carve out several good goalscoring opportunities.
Real Madrid ultimately triumphed, but their defensive struggles so far this season are sure to be a cause for concern for Carlo Ancelotti.
#3 Vinicius Junior is growing into a leader at Real Madrid
Real Madrid took a punt on an untested Vinicius Junior in 2017. After several years of flattering to deceive, the Brazilian has started showcasing his potential.
Vinicius has been plagued by inconsistencies throughout his Real Madrid career, with his lack of end-products being the subject of much disdain.
However, the former Flamengo man's abilities are not in doubt. And after many false starts, he has started morphing into the player many earmarked him to be.
The 21-year-old started the first two games of the season on the bench, but his two-goal cameo off the bench against Levante turned the tide in his favor.
Vinicius was handed a second consecutive start this season against Celta Vigo, and he repaid the faith shown in him with an exquisite display. He was full of running on the night and proved to be a handful for the visitors' defense.
A major criticism regarding his game has been his lack of composure in attack. Vinicius showed his growing composure with his calmly taken goal to put Real Madrid ahead for the first time on the night.
He also won the penalty from which Karim Benzema completed his hat-trick. This caps what was a fine display from the 21-year-old.
#2 Eduardo Camavinga announces himself on the big stage
Eduardo Camavinga has emerged as one of the biggest prospects in French football in the last few years. This prompted Real Madrid to sanction his purchase back in August. The club signed the youngster in a deal worth up to €40 million (£34.4m).
The 18-year-old started the game against Celta Vigo on the bench but replaced Eden Hazard in the 66th minute.
It took just six minutes for him to make a mark as he was in the right place at the right time to convert a rebound from Luka Modric's shot.
Real Madrid is arguably the biggest club in the world and the perfect stage for youngsters to catapult into global stardom.
Eduardo Camavinga has been earmarked as a star of the future, and his first impression at the Bernabeu will go a long way to helping him achieve dizzying heights.
#1 Karim Benzema continues to be a difference-maker for Real Madrid
Karim Benzema has been Real Madrid's talisman since Cristiano Ronaldo's departure in 2018, and he once again stepped up when his club needed him the most.
The Frenchman is Real Madrid's de-facto captain, and he gave a leader's display with a well-taken hat-trick against Celta Vigo.
Despite the early setback suffered by the hosts, their number nine kept motivating his teammates around him to ensure heads did not drop.
His first goal was indicative of his improved confidence. His technique was on full display as he drew Real Madrid level with an exquisite half-volley.
A disallowed goal for offside in the first half did little to hamper the 34-year-old, and he ended the night with a deserved hat-trick.
The hat-trick takes the former Lyon man onto five goals for the season. He also has four assists to boot from just four La Liga games.
This is indicative of his influence in the Spanish capital. With Lionel Messi now out of the way, a maiden Pichichi trophy is not out of the question for the Frenchman.
