Real beat Cordoba 2-0 to start La Liga campaign on winning note

European champions Real Madrid started their Spanish title campaign on a winning note as they defeated Cordoba 2-0.

Real began their bid to take the Spanish title from neighbours Atletico Madrid by beating La Liga contenders Cordoba, thanks to goals by Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.

New signings James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos were named alongside Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in a star-studded starting XI for Madrid with the hosts outplaying the newly promoted side before halftime and led through Benzema's thumping header, The BBC repoted.

Cordoba improved but Ronaldo's late strike from distance eased the tension as he doubled Real's lead on their opponents in the 90th minute.

Real fans have seen their team win La Liga just once in the last six seasons after finishing third behind Atletico and arch-rivals Barcelona in a thrilling title race last season.

Carlo Ancelotti's men made amends by beating Atletico in the Champions League final as they were crowned European champions for a record 10th time, and responded to their league failure by spending over 100 million pounds on new players this summer.

In contrast, Cordoba's low-budget side, managed by ex-Barcelona and Chelsea defender Albert Ferrer, consisted largely of free transfers and loan signings.

But the huge financial difference between the two clubs was not always evident, particularly in the early part of the second half when Cordoba threatened to equalise. However, Real's defence combined with their striking strength overcame Cordoba to win the La Liga clash, the report added.