Real Madrid vs. Sporting Gijon: Score, Reaction from 2016 La Liga Match

Real Madrid put the pressure on their La Liga title rivals as they thrashed Sporting Gijon, 5-1, at the Bernabeu on Sunday in Zinedine Zidane's second game in charge, but the game was somewhat marred by injuries to Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.

Los Blancos raced to a 4-0 lead inside 18 minutes thanks to goals from Bale, Benzema and a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo, and the Frenchman added another shortly before half-time.

From there, the match did not go as planned for Real. Bale was forced off at the break, while shortly after the hour mark, Isma Lopez found the net for the visitors, and Benzema too was injured, which seriously interrupted their flow in the final third.

The hosts flew out of the traps and drew first blood after just seven minutes when Bale glanced home a corner at the near post.

Two minutes later, Real doubled their lead through Ronaldo, who took advantage of some space in the area to turn and lash a vicious left-footed effort past the helpless Ivan Cuellar.

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Not to be left out, Benzema quickly got in on the action with a delightful strike of his own, as he acrobatically volleyed home a dangerous cross from Bale on the right.

Los Blancos found further joy down the same flank soon after when Dani Carvajal rolled a tempting ball into the area for Ronaldo to tap in at close range.

Football journalist Dermot Corrigan noted Real's change in style under new manager Zidane and hailed the impact of Carvajal:

Indeed, as Squawka Football revealed, the team have been in free-scoring form under the Frenchman:

The stunned Sporting were afforded some breathing room with the win all but assured for Madrid, and Jony forced two strong saves from Keylor Navas in quick succession.

The hosts were rarely troubled but always dangerous, though, and Benzema had his second of the day after Isco flicked a delightful ball over the top for the Frenchman to ease past the on-rushing Cuellar.

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Bale was injured on the stroke of half-time. Football journalist Guillem Balague succinctly explained the situation, while Corrigan noted the winger will be sorely missed if he's set for a spell on the sidelines:

The second half was a much less positive affair for Real.

Ronaldo was fortunate to escape sanction for kicking out at Nacho Cases, before Lopez pulled back a consolation after being teed up excellently by Jony.

Shortly after, events took an even darker turn for Real as Benzema too limped off:

Their spirit and fluency hampered by the injuries, Los Blancos struggled for the remainder of the match—never in danger of facing a comeback but lacking the spark and energy they displayed early on.

With the likes of Real Betis and Espanyol awaiting in their upcoming fixtures, Real should have more than enough attacking power to produce positive results. But how they'll play if Bale and Benzema are absent remains a big question mark based on their second-half display here. 

Post-Match Reaction

According to Corrigan, Zidane hailed his front three's work rate throughout the game:

He also explained his decision to start with Isco ahead of James Rodriguez:

Per Corrigan, Sporting manager Abelardo Fernandez was understandably frustrated with his side's performance in the early stages. He said:

"I was unhappy with first half, so many debutants. But happier as we owned the second half. Strong in defence, good in attack. Madrid have great virtues as a team, but we let them play much too comfortably in the first half."