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Real Madrid 3 AS Roma 0: Gareth Bale strikes on a bad Champions League night for Cristiano Ronaldo

AP
AP

Gareth Bale was on target as Real Madrid kicked off their Champions League campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win over Roma at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Isco opened the scoring on the stroke of half time with a marvellous free-kick from the edge of the area, which left goalkeeper Robin Olsen rooted to the spot.

Gareth Bale then deservedly got on the scoresheet in 54 minutes, powering a low drive into the bottom corner after being played in by Luka Modric. Both players received standing ovations when they were substituted.

In stoppage time, substitute Mariano Diaz hit a stunning 25-yard curler into the top corner to seal a comprehensive victory for Julen Lopetegui, who could have easily hit double figures had it not been for Roma goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

The Spanish giants were completely dominant in the first half and it showed with the number of attempts on goal; Roma had four attempts to Real Madrid's 17 shots.

Gareth Bale had a number of opportunities to continue his impressive scoring form but the Welsh star was wasteful in front of goal, although the 29-year-old was unlucky to see his strike in the second half come back off the crossbar.

But the former Tottenham winger got his reward when he was played in by Modric, who was influential once again throughout the game. The 29-year-old opened his body up and fired a low shot into the far corner.

Mariano, wearing Ronaldo's famed No 7 shirt, struck a wonderful third to ensure Real Madrid continue where they left off in the Champions League.