Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez said that nobody could now doubt he sent out attacking sides after Cristiano Ronaldo broke more records as Malmo were hammered 8-0 in Tuesday night's Champions League Group A clash at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Madrid were always in control and were 2-0 up inside the first 25 minutes thanks to a Karim Benzema double, with both goals coming from Ronaldo crosses.
The Portuguese got his first of the night from a long range free kick, before adding three in the first quarter-hour of the second half to set a record with 11 in the competition's group stages.
After Mateo Kovacic rammed in his first goal for the club, Benzema completed his hat trick to end the scoring as the previous Champions League record win scoreline achieved by Benitez's Liverpool side against Besiktas back in 2007 -- when Alvaro Arbeloa also played -- was matched.
Ronaldo and Benzema also became the first pair of teammates to each score three goals in the same Champions League game.
Asked by the reporters after the game if these two record goal hauls would eliminate claims Benitez is too defensively minded, the Blancos coach said it showed his teams were well able to attack.
"I was pretty proud of that [8-0 record] and today I thought we might beat it," Benitez said. "I am happy with the team. To have the record, along with Liverpool against Besiktas, means this team attacks, with balance. It's a good night for Madridismo. It was an almost perfect night, the team did many things well."
Ronaldo's first four-goal haul in European competition was the first time a Madrid player has netted a "poker" since Ferenc Puskas against Feyenoord in 1965.
"Of course, to have ambitious competitive players helps a lot," Benitez said. "Cristiano is one of those, he is fundamental for us. To see him fight for more, look for more, pushes on the others too."
Even before tonight, Madrid had already ensured qualification for the last 16 as group winners -- meaning they will be seeded in the draw on Monday in Nyon.
"It was a relaxed night," Benzema said. The players knew what they had to do, they were up for the game, and then they could show their quality. The goal at the start of the second half decided it completely."
The relaxed atmosphere allowed Benitez to introduce Denis Cheryshev as a late substitute -- with the Bernabeu generally applauding on the Russia international who was central as Madrid were thrown out of the Copa del Rey last week [a decision Madrid still protest].
"Anyone who knows what happened knows that it will go well for us in the end," Benitez said. "We will have to wait and see what the courts say. It was going well -- so we could send on [fit again] Marcelo and Cheryshev. In the end you decide what the team needs, or what might help your players."
Before the game there had been some whistles when Benitez's name was read out over the stadium loudspeaker -- following from recent press criticism of his tactics and approach.
"The only thing i can do is try for team to play like today and make Madridistas happy," the Madrid native said. "I can't do much more. If someone insists with something, all I can is keep doing my work, being relaxed and professional."