James, Bale lift Real as Vermaelen rescues Barca

Real Madrid's James Rodriguez (C) scores his second goal between Real Betis' Juan Vargas (L) and Rafael Van der Vaart during their Spanish first division soccer match at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, August 29, 2015. REUTERS/Andrea Comas

MADRID (Reuters) - Real Madrid got their season up and running when Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez struck twice in a 5-0 drubbing of Real Betis on Saturday while La Liga champions Barcelona edged Malaga 1-0 to maintain their perfect start.

New coach Rafa Benitez restored James to the starting lineup against last season's second division winners after he was controversially left out in the 0-0 draw at another promoted side, Sporting Gijon, on the opening weekend.