Cristiano Ronaldo hit a hat-trick as Real Madrid kept on the trail of leaders Barcelona with a 5-1 rout of Deportivo La Coruna last night.

The visitors took a shock lead after 15 minutes through Riki but Real bounced back with Ronaldo hitting his first from the penalty spot after Angel Di Maria was felled.

It was Di Maria himself who put his team ahead and then Ronaldo got his second just before the break.

With Real controlling the game, Pepe headed home and Ronaldo scored another penalty in the second half to complete the rout and remain eight points behind Barcelona.

While Barca have won all six of their opening games, Madrid made a stuttering start but will now go into next weekend’s El Clasico with back-to-back wins and Ronaldo hitting form.

Primera Liga
Granada vs Celta Vigo 2-1; Valladolid vs R. Vallecano 6-1; Osasuna vs Levante 4-0; R. Madrid vs Deportivo 5-1. Late Saturday: Sevilla vs Barcelona 2-3.

Leading standings: Barcelona 18; Malaga 14; A. Madrid 13; Mallorca, Sevilla 11; R. Madrid 10; Valladolid, Real Sociedad, Real Betis 9.

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