Real Madrid overwhelm Genk with six-goal salvo

Real Madrid produced an irresistible attacking display to crush Champions League newcomers Genk 6-0 at the Bernabeu.

Real were missing the French midfield pair of Zinedine Zidane and Claude Makelele, while Ronaldo's debut was put on hold because of a slight injury, but after a slow start the nine-times European champions ran out predictably easy winners.

A two-goal burst in the final minute of the first half set the home side on their way.

Guti's shot from the edge of the box was deflected in by Didier Zokora for the first and 30 seconds later Michel Salgado made it 2-0 with a neat turn and shot.

Luis Figo added a third from the penalty spot 10 minutes after the break after Ivan Helguera was brought down and further goals from Guti, Albert Celades and Raul completed a confident group C victory.

The result made it nine goals in two games for Real after they began their hunt for a 10th European crown with a 3-0 success at AS Roma last week.

Genk started well enough but they were forced into ever more desperate defence as the first half wore on.

Figo put a free kick just wide with Real's best early chance, while Santiago Solari and Celades also went close.

Genk fought back and as the halftime whistle neared Beli Moumouni Dagano twice found himself in space on the right of the Real area only to miss the target each time.

The Belgian side then self-destructed in the final minute of the first half.

Guti's low shot from the edge of the box supplied the first, as the unfortunate defender Zokora stuck out a leg to deflect the ball past his keeper Jan Moons.

Genk got into more trouble just inside their area half a minute later and the result was the same. Salgado took a short pass from Celades and produced a fine turn and shot to beat Moons at his left-hand post.

The second half was all too easy for Real, as the Belgians found themselves outclassed.

Josip Skoko's wild challenge on Helguera 10 minutes after the break led to the third, Figo slotting past Moons from the spot.

Guti had not been credited with Real's opening goal given the heavy deflection from Zokora but there was no doubt about the fourth as the striker picked up a loose ball just outside the box and beat Moons with an arrowed shot.

Genk were at sixes and sevens and Real might well have doubled their advantage in the remaining 25 minutes.

As it was they had to settle for two more, both inspired by Raul.

The Spanish international striker set up the fifth, robbing the Genk defence and teeing up Celades for a sharp finish.

Raul got the final goal himself, crashing in from 20 metres to set the seal on a victory that leaves Real firmly on course for a place in the second phase.