It’s too late for them to put pressure on Barcelona in La Liga but this trio took Real Madrid to Champions League glory two seasons ago and they may be finding their form to do the same this time around.
Bale, Benzema and Cristiano have been overshadowed by Barcelona’s Leo Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez front three this season but Bale was outstanding during the 70 minutes he spent on the pitch, Benzema matched him and although Ronaldo missed a penalty he made amends with the all important second goal.
On this showing Bale, who will not join up with Wales on international duty next week, doesn’t need a rest. And Real Madrid don’t need a new goalkeeper either.
Keylor Navas saved a first half penalty and kept a clean sheet despite Sevilla throwing everything at him as they tried to get back into the game.
Bale was the star though. He set up Real Madrid’s opener for Benzema, should have scored the second only to see it wrongly ruled out for off-side, and almost provided a spectacular bicycle kick assist for Benzema as Real Madrid over-powered Sevilla.
They took the lead on 16 minutes when Bale crossed from the right and Benzema swept the ball past Sergio Rico on the half-volley. The Frenchman now has 20 goals in 22 starts this season.
Bale then almost scored from the edge of the area but Rico pushed the ball on to the post. He then almost went one better but as he nudged the ball over the line the linesman incorrectly ruled offside.
Sevilla should have found a way back into the game on 26 minutes when Rafael Varane pulled Rami’s shirt in the area and the referee spotted the infringement and pointed to the spot.
Kevin Gameiro stepped up to score what would have been his eighth goal from the spot in eight penalties this season but Navas saved his third penalty of the campaign to the acclaim of the Bernabeu.
Once again, as was the case last summer, if Real Madrid do move for David De Gea this year it will not be because the supporters are calling for it.
They are happy for Navas to continue. No one has conceded fewer goals in the Champions League and no one in Europe has stopped more penalties.
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