Real Madrid 3-0 APOEL: Five things we learned

Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the night as Real Madrid returned to winning ways and started this season's Champions League campaign on a bright note.

The current UEFA player of the year, playing in his first competitive match this season, scored a two goals, one in either half to give Real Madrid a well deserved lead. Ronaldo could have scored three or more goals. He missed a couple of chances and scored a third goal that was ruled out for offside.

Sergio Ramos again showed the striking instinct in him, when he initiated an attack and finished it off with a well taken bicycle kick, to give the home side the third goal and the three points.

Here are the main talking points from the match:

1. Ronaldo returned with the magic

After two straight draws in the league at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid needed a lift in performance to impress the home fans.

Ronaldo on the night showed why he's the man the team has been missing. The Portuguese has missed Real Madrid's last four matches due to the five match ban he got for pushing the referee in the Spanish Super Cup first leg.

He played as the team's main striker, in Benzema's absence and he perfectly fit into the role. His performance clearly showed what the team had been lacking in the past few games. A predatory, clinical striker. Two goals and a couple of missed chances, the team can't wait for the full return of Ronaldo. He will miss this weekend La Liga match against Real Sociedad, the last game of his five match suspension.

2. Gareth Bale gets better alongside Ronaldo

The Welshman has come under criticism for below par displays over the past few weeks, but playing alongside Ronaldo in attack brought some verve into his game.

He had a hand in two of the three goals scored, assisting the first with a great cross into the path of Ronaldo. He could have had more assists to his name if his teammates were more precise in front of goal.

In all it was an improved performance from Bale, who is one of the key individual benefactor of Ronaldo's return.

3. Another match, any injury

The Real Madrid treatment team welcomed another patient as Matteo Kovacic was substituted in the first half for what looks like a hamstring injury as he overstretched his leg for a ball.

He joins Benzema who sustained his injury in the last match against Levante. The Frenchman is expected to be out for about a month.

Two injuries within a week, Zidane' s rotational policy will be very much tested early this season.

4. Sergio Ramos goalscoring instincts on display

He is no doubt one of the highest scoring defender in Europe. And he showed why he could be an above average striker on some occasions against APOEL.

His well taken bicycle kick goal is one of the best you will see a defender score. His header in the match against Levante lead to Real Madrid's equaliser.

A goal scoring Ramos is very much needed to complement the efforts of the team's attackers.

5. An almost perfect way to start the Champions League this season

The big question this season is,  can Real Madrid win the Champions League for the third time in a row?

Still too early to predict, but an opening performance like this was needed to calm nerves and put Madrid in the right standing, when compared to other title contenders who also won big on match day one.

Three points, three goals, non  conceded. A perfect way to start.