Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to ensure a successful Wales homecoming for his team-mate Gareth Bale as Real Madrid comfortably won the UEFA Super Cup in Cardiff.
The former Manchester United star struck in each half to secure a 2-0 win and underline Madrid's dominance of a game they controlled throughout.
The Spanish giants thrilled a capacity 33,500 crowd at Cardiff City Stadium with their all-singing, all-dancing game, and Sevilla's players were often reduced to a spectating role.
Bale, who joined Real from Tottenham in a world record £86million deal last summer, also stamped his class on proceedings, delivering a precision cross from which Ronaldo scored his opener. And when he pounced again early in the second period, there was no way back for Europa League title holders Sevilla as the 2014 Champions League winners showcased their enviable quality.
Real boss Carlo Ancelotti paraded his awe-inspiring wealth of playing talent, with major summer signings James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos joining Bale and Ronaldo in a team captained by goalkeeper Iker Casillas. James and Kroos both had their moments, with the electric speed of Colombia international James' pass a regular highlight, while Bale's former Spurs colleague Luka Modric worked tirelessly in midfield.
Ronaldo handed Madrid the lead 15 minutes before the break, finishing from close range for his 17th goal in 10 appearances against Sevilla after Bale's inch-perfect cross created a gilt-edged opening.
Sevilla could have few complaints, having played second fiddle for long periods as Real's masterful exhibition of passing meant they enjoyed prolonged periods of control.
And Ronaldo stamped a defnitive mark on proceedings just four minutes after the break when he rifled a powerful left-footed shot into the corner of Beto's net to double Real's lead.
Man of the Match
Ronaldo
Coming on the back of a disappointing World Cup and some questions over his fitness, this was the way he would have wanted to answer his critics. His first goal was well taken as he slid in at the back post, while his second was vintage Ronaldo, shifting the ball out of his feet before hitting an unstoppable shot. Bodes well for the season to come.
Verdict
It is always hard to read too much into what is basically a pre-season friendly. Yet, going forward at least, Madrid gave an encouraging account of themselves with Ronaldo, Kroos, Bale and Rodriguez all showing what they can do. For Sevilla, there appears to be plenty of work to be done following the departure of Ivan Rakitic. They were unable to control possession in midfield and Carlos Bacca became increasingly isolated up front.
Ratings
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Casillas 7; Carvajal 6, Pepe 6, Ramos 7, Coentrao 7; Modric 7, Kroos 8, Rodriguez 6; Bale 7, Benzema 6, Ronaldo 8
Subs: Isco on for Rodriguez (72’, 6), Marcelo on for Coentrao (84’), Illarramendi on for Modric (86’)
Sevilla (4-2-3-1): Beto 7; Coke 6, Pareja 6, Fazio 6, Navarro 5; Krychowiak 6, Carrico 6; Vidal 5, Suarez 6, Vitolo 5; Bacca 5
Subs: Aspas on for Vidal (66’, 5), Reyes on for Suarez (78’), Figueiras on for Coke (84’)
