Victory moves Madrid to the top of the table, one point ahead of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona
_0.jpg "Five-star Cristiano Ronaldo spurs real")
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring against Espanyol during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at Cornella-El Prat stadium in Cornella Llobregat, Spain. (Photo: AFP)
Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo opened his account for the season in spectacular fashion with five goals as Real Madrid thrashed Espanyol 6-0 on Saturday. The Portuguese dispelled any doubts over his form by slotting home the opener from Luka Modric’s wonderful pass before doubling his tally from the penalty spot after Gareth Bale had been felled inside the area.
Bale crossed for Ronaldo to complete his 32nd hat-trick for Madrid before the World Player of the Year turned provider himself for Karim Benzema to tap home a fourth before half-time.
Ronaldo then rounded off the scoring with two more smart finishes after the break.
Victory moves Madrid to the top of the table, one point ahead of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. Keylor Navas proved he can be a worthy successor to Iker Casillas with a fine save from Felipe Caicedo to prevent Espanyol getting off to a flying start.
( Source : AFP )
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