Ronaldo’s hat-trick propels Real Madrid rout

MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 29th La Liga hat-trick as Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid moved back to within four points of leaders Barcelona with a 6-0 thrashing of Espanyol on Sunday (31).

However, Gary Neville’s terrible La Liga run since taking charge of Valencia continued with a 1-0 loss to Sporting Gijon on Sunday - Los Che’s first home defeat since November 2014.

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema (2nd L) heads the ball to score a goal next to Espanyol's defender Alvaro Gonzalez (L) while Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (R) looks on during the Spanish league football match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid – AFP PHOTO

In keeping with their fast starts under new boss Zidane at the Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid raced into a 4-0 half-time lead with Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez’s first goal since November adding to Ronaldo’s double.

The three-time World Player of the Year sealed his latest La Liga hat-trick nine minutes from time before Oscar Duarte’s own goal ensured a repeat scoreline from when the sides met earlier this season.

Victory also moves Real just a point behind local rivals Atletico Madrid after their 2-1 defeat to Barca in a top of the table clash on Saturday. However, Barcelona also have a game in hand on both Madrid clubs.

Real have now struck 41 goals in seven games at home since being thrashed 4-0 by Barcelona in November.