Real Madrid cruised past outclassed Olympique Lyon last night, a third consecutive victory leaving them clear at the top of Champions League Group D.
Goals by Karim Benzema, Sami Khedira, Mesut Ozil and Sergio Ramos made sure Jose Mourinho’s side had an easy day at the office.
France striker Benzema tapped in at the far post in the 19th minute to leave his former club on the rack as Madrid dominated the visitors at the Bernabeu.
Midfielder Khedira scored from Benzema’s cross in the 47th minute and fellow German Ozil bagged the third soon after, Lyon keeper Hugo Lloris helping the ball into his own net.
Ramos smashed in a volley to complete the rout with nine minutes remaining.
Lyon, who have four points from three games, showed little ambition and sat deep in their own half for most of the time.
Cristiano Ronaldo glanced a corner towards the back post and Benzema slid in to score the opener as Real threatened to completely overwhelm the visitors.
Lyon’s Bafetimbi Gomis had a goal ruled out for offside in the 28th minute but it was a rare attacking foray as the chances stacked up for Ronaldo and company.
Soon after the second-half restart Benzema broke away down the left and crossed low into the centre for Khedira to stroke in the home side’s second goal.
Lloris then helped in Ozil’s cross-cum shot in the 55th minute.
Lyon seemed concerned about avoiding a heavy defeat towards the end as Real’s in-form duo Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain entered the fray.
The French team’s misery was complete and their defence was abjectly static when Ramos won a header at a corner, waited for the ball to bounce and then volleyed in the fourth.
REAL MADRID: Casillas, Arbeloa, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Khedira, Alonso, Di Maria, Ozil (Kaka 66), Ronaldo, Benzema (Higuain 72). Subs not used : Adan, Granero, Fabio Coentrao, Varane, Callejon.Booked : Alonso, Ronaldo.
OLYMPIQUE LYON: Lloris, Reveillere, Lovren, Bakary Kone, Cissokho, Fofana, Kallstrom, Briand, Gourcuff (Ederson 67), Michel Bastos, Gomis (Dabo 80). Subs not used : Vercoutre, Gassama, Cris, Lacazette, Sidy Kone. Booked : Bakary Kone,Briand.
Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey).