Real Madrid staged a storming second-half comeback to beat Real Betis 5-3 in an eight-goal LaLiga thriller.

Marco Asensio (2), Sergio Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema were on target as the Spanish champions recovered from a 2-1 interval deficit to avenge their Bernabeu defeat to Betis in September.

Aissa Mandi and a Nacho own goal saw Betis’ first-half superiority rewarded, before Sergio Leon gave the hosts late hope until substitute Benzema struck in stoppage time.

Tweet of the match

Star man – Marco Asensio

The young Spanish midfielder is not always in the Real Madrid starting line-up, but he proved the difference on this occasion. Excellent in possession and two classy finishes, the first a firm header when he was alert to a rebound and the second a sure sidefoot which had the necessary power and direction.

Moment of the match

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid – UEFA Champions League – Semi Final – First Leg – Santiago Bernabeu
Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos levelled at 2-2 with a fantastic header (Nick Potts/Empics)

There were almost too many to recall in an incident-packed match, but Sergio Ramos’ thundering header changed the course of the contest at 2-2 and paved the way for Real Madrid to take control.

Data point

Real Madrid reached a LaLiga milestone when Marco Asensio scored their third goal against Betis.

Real Betis: Antonio Adan 6 (out of 10); Antonio Barragan 6, Aissa Mandi 7, Marc Bartra 6, Jordi Amat 5, Junior Firpo 7, Fabian 6, Andres Guardado 6, Joaquin 8, Ryad Boudebouz 7, Lorenzo Moron 7. Subs: Javi Garcia (for Amat, 75) 6, Cristian Tello (for Guardado, 81) 6, Sergio Leon (for Boudebouz, 81) 7.

Real Madrid: Keylor Navas 7, Dani Carvajal 7, Nacho 6, Sergio Ramos 7, Marcelo 6, Lucas Vasquez 7, Casemiro 7, Mateo Kovacic 7, Marco Asensio 8, Gareth Bale 6, Cristiano Ronaldo 7. Subs: Theo Hernandez (for Marcelo, 30) 6, Isco (for Bale, 73) 6, Karim Benzema (for Ronaldo, 89) 7.

Who’s up next?

Leganes v Real Madrid (LaLiga, February 21)

Levante v Real Betis (LaLiga, February 26)