In Pictures: Ronaldo-Bale partnership blossoms in Bernabeu rout

After the world's most expensive footballers put in star displays in a 7-3 win against Sevilla, Goal looks back at what could prove to be the beginning of a beautiful relationship

Real Madrid may have had to wait a while, but Wednesday night finally saw the first steps of what coach Carlo Ancelotti hopes will prove to be a fruitful partnership between Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

The world's two most expensive footballers turned on the style during Los Blancos' 7-3 rout of Sevilla, with the Welshman bagging two goals and two assists, while his Portuguese team-mate hit a clinical hat-trick.

The Santiago Bernabeu faithful were delighted at what they saw, while Ancelotti is encouraged about the relationship the duo are already developing.

He told Marca: "Bale played very well, showing great fitness, scoring two goals and forming a good understanding with Cristiano."

Deadlock broken | Gareth Bale opens the scoring against Sevilla with a top strike.
Double trouble | Bale doubles his and Real Madrid's tally for the night via a deflected free kick.

Spot on | Cristiano Ronaldo gets in on the act after scoring from the penalty spot.
Loved up | Early reports of unrest between the two stars seem a distant memory
The day after Fifa president Sepp Blatter was forced to apologise to Ronaldo and Real Madrid for saying he preferred Lionel Messi, and claiming the Portuguese was like a military commander, the Bernabeu crowd were fully behind their No.7.

After showering their hero with praise in the opening exchanges, and after Bale had already struck twice, Ronaldo had the last laugh. After scoring his first goal from the penalty, he performed his best salute to show that he means business.

Dream team |The pair combine as Bale claims his second assist and Ronaldo his second goal.
Anything you can do... | Ronaldo makes sure he has the final word as he completes his hat-trick.