Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo scores hat-trick in demolition of Espanyol

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his second goal in the 6-0 win against Espanyol. Photograph: Juan Medina/Reuters

Cristiano Ronaldo hit yet another hat-trick for Real Madrid who swept aside Espanyol 6-0 in a ruthless attacking display in La Liga on Sunday.

The Portuguese forward led the way as Real sought to keep in the title chase after an inconsistent season that still leaves them in third place, four points behind the leaders, Barcelona.

Karim Benzema headed in a whipped cross from James Rodríguez after seven minutes and then Ronaldo won and struck home a penalty.

A James strike was deflected in after 16 minutes and Ronaldo showed a sublime touch to beat two players and curl a 20-yard shot into the corner before half-time.

Ronaldo headed in his third from close range after 82 minutes and Espanyol’s misery was complete with an own-goal from Oscar Duarte.