ZINEDINE ZIDANE’S head-coaching career got off to a flying start as Real Madrid defeated Deportivo La Coruna 5-0 in the Spanish league Saturday.

    Gareth Bale had a hat trick and Karim Benzema scored twice, including with a back-heel flick.

    Zidane received a warm welcome at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, with fans loudly cheering the former galactico before and after the game. It was a completely different atmosphere compared to when Rafa Benitez was in charge. Benitez was jeered in nearly every game since a demoralizing 4-0 home loss to Barcelona in November, a result that ignited a crisis at the Spanish giant.

    “The fans were behind the team from the first minute until the end. It was a great atmosphere,” Zidane said. “But we have to understand that this was only the first game, we have to keep winning. The goal is to keep playing well and keep winning games.”

    Real Madrid moved to within two points of Barcelona, which earlier defeated Granada 4-0 with a hat trick by Lionel Messi and a goal by Neymar.

    Third-place Atletico Madrid was one point behind Barcelona and can regain the lead when it plays at fifth-place Celta Vigo in a later match. Barcelona will have a game in hand after the 19th round this weekend.

    Zidane, who thrived at Madrid until retiring in 2006, stepped up from Madrid’s B team when Benitez was fired last week after seven months on the job.

    “It means a lot to me to be here,” Zidane said. “I want to enjoy this win.”

    Benzema opened the scoring by using his back heel to redirect Sergio Ramos’ shot off a corner, then Bale headed in a cross from Dani Carvajal seven minutes later, and found the net from close range after a cross by Cristiano Ronaldo to open the second half. Bale’s third goal was another header, and Benzema’s second came in the game’s last play.

    Ronaldo’s best opportunity was when he struck the post with a first-half header.

    At the Camp Nou, Messi scored twice within the first 15 minutes and added his third in the second half. Neymar closed the scoring late.

    Barcelona had drawn four of its last six matches but was coming off a 4-1 win over city rival Espanyol in the Copa del Rey. It had been held by Espanyol to a scoreless draw in the previous league round.

    Barcelona dominated Granada, which was only 17th in the 20-team standings. “We could have scored more,” Barcelona defender Aleix Vidal said. “But the main thing was to get the three points. We are back in the lead, now we’ll see what happens in the other matches.”

    (SD-Agencies)