Real Madrid enjoyed a comfortable 4-1 win over Eibar.

Karim Benzema silenced his critics with a brace as a Real Madrid side lacking several of their leading stars cruised to a 4-1 victory over Eibar at the Ipurua Municipal Stadium.

The visitors were without Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos and Marcelo in their starting XI, but still had way too much for Eibar.

France forward Benzema, who had scored only five goals in LaLiga this season coming into the game, played a part in all four goals, with James Rodriguez and Marco Asensio also on the scoresheet.

Benzema put the visitors ahead after 14 minutes before flicking home Rodriguez's free-kick moments later to make it 2-0. He then turned provider before the half-hour mark as he set up James to finish off a clinical counter-attack, and the Frenchman's brilliant pass then also began the move which lead to Asensio's second-half strike.

Ruben Pena grabbed a consolation for the hosts, but it was too little too late as Real returned to winning ways following their 3-3 midweek draw against Las Palmas.

Real coach Zinedine Zidane stated: “We've produced a fantastic reaction and started the game very strongly, scoring three goals in half an hour. It was a difficult place to go and we knew they'd put us under real pressure. We played a disciplined game, with respect for our opponents and I'm happy with everyone's performance.

“We brought a few players in who haven't played so much recently and they did a great job. I'm pleased with our reaction and the way we played the game. They could have hurt us from set pieces but we showed great concentration and I'm happy with how we've responded."