Karim Benzema, Real Madrid Beat Melilla in Santiago Solari's Debut as Manager

Real Madrid won their first match under interim manager Santiago Solari on Wednesday, with Los Blancos defeating Melilla 4-0 on the road in the first leg of their Copa del Rey match in the round of 32.

Karim Benzema opened the scoring after 28 minutes, and Marco Asensio doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time.

Alvaro Odriozola made it three for the visitors with 11 minutes remaining, allowing Solari a gentle opening to his spell as interim boss.

Cristo Gonzalez added a fourth strike in injury time to compound the hosts' misery.

Vinicius Junior was handed a start by Solari, and the Brazilian rewarded his selection with two assists.

Santiago Solari Faith in Vinicius Jr Could Net Him Full-Time Manager's Role

JORGE GUERRERO/Getty Images

A trip to north Africa to face minnows Melilla in the Copa del Rey might not have been Solari's first-choice destination as Los Blancos interim coach, but the Argentinian would have been pleased with what he saw.

Melilla is one of a pair of autonomous Spanish cities based on the African mainland, and Madrid left a number of star players at home after the sacking of former boss Julen Lopetegui.

Gareth Bale and Luka Modric were omitted from the trip to the Estadio Alvarez Claro alongside Isco, and Solari gave a start to prodigy Vinicius.

The Brazilian teenager has long been rated as one of the burgeoning talents in world football, with the attacker joining Real from Flamengo.

JORGE GUERRERO/Getty Images

The 18-year-old is expected to produce great things at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, and he was offered a staring role by Solari.

Vinicius didn't disappoint after a slow start by the visitors, and Benzema broke the ice midway through the first half to make it 1-0.

The youngster was directly involved in Real's second just before the interval, with Vinicius assisting for Marco Asensio.

Football writer Graham Ruthven tweeted his impression of the player:

Madrid were in cruise control in the second half, and Vinicius appeared relaxed and motivated under Solari's tactics.

Two further goals effectively killed the tie in the first leg, and once again Vinicius displayed his creativity to assist Odriozola.

It was a fine display by the attacker, and Solari could decide to keep faith with him when Real return to La Liga action.

Real president Florentino Perez knows plenty about Solari's potential, but the coach's handling of future talent could see him given the chance to permanently control matters in the Spanish capital.

Vinicius could eventually fill the hole left by Cristiano Ronaldo, but he needs a coach who will help him through the opening phase of his career at the club.

What's Next:

Los Blancos host Real Valladolid in La Liga on Saturday, with Melilla facing Almeria B at home in third-tier Segunda Division B on Sunday. Their second leg of the Copa del Rey takes place on Dec. 5 in Madrid.