Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos Lead 10-Man Real Madrid Past Celta Vigo

Real Madrid made a winning start to the 2019-20 season in La Liga by beating Celta Vigo 3-1 at Balaidos on Saturday, despite Luka Modric being sent off 11 minutes into the second half after a check by the video assistant referee.

Modric was shown a red card after a review was needed of his tackle on Denis Suarez. Real were already 1-0 up thanks to Karim Benzema, who had been teed up by Gareth Bale.

Toni Kroos and Lucas Vazquez also got on the scoresheet for Los Blancos, who impressed without big-money summer imports, including former Chelsea winger Eden Hazard, who missed out through injury. Ex-Eintracht Frankfurt striker Luka Jovic, meanwhile, began the game on the bench.

Iker Losada got one back in stoppage time for Celta, but the hosts were ultimately well beaten by the 10 men.

Hazard couldn't feature because of a thigh injury suffered in training, per Marca's Ruben Jimenez, and Real looked plodding and predictable without his trickery and flair.

Fortunately, Bale proved he still has a lot to offer his team with a superb assist for Benzema to open the scoring after 12 minutes.

Bale has had a knack for punishing Celta during his career in Spain's top flight:

The classy contribution to Benzema's goal was a reminder of Bale's value after a summer of discontent between the Welshman and Zinedine Zidane. In July, the Frenchman said, "It would be best for everyone if Bale moved on," prompting the player's agent, Jonathan Barnett, to dub Zidane a "disgrace."

Yet on the eve of the new season, Zidane declared himself ready to "rely" on the "important" Bale, per the Press Association (h/t the Guardian).

In fairness to Bale, his boss should already have been aware of what the prolific winger can do:

Aside from Bale and Benzema's fruitful link-up, there was little in the way of attacking impetus from Real in what proved to be 45 largely turgid minutes.

Better was expected in the second half, but the visitors' chances took a hit when Modric was dismissed in the 56th minute. The playmaker fouled former Barcelona schemer Denis Suarez, and a VAR check confirmed a red card.

Not everybody was impressed with the decision, despite Modric's studs connecting with the back of Suarez's ankle:

Real should have been forced into a rearguard action, but instead they doubled their lead five minutes later when Marcelo played in Kroos, who proved his quality from outside the box.

Vazquez wrapped up the points with a smart finish nine minutes from time after collecting a deft touch from Benzema.

Losada's late finish wasn't enough to take the gloss off a fine away display from Los Merengues. Winning when a man down and without the help of Hazard offers encouraging signs about the depth of Zidane's squad.

What's Next?

Real host Valladolid next Saturday, while Celta are at home again, this time facing Valencia on the same day.