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MADRID. — Cristiano Ronaldo scored his third hat-trick in five games as Real Madrid moved into the Spanish La Liga’s top four for the first time this season with a 5-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
It took Ronaldo just two minutes to extend his scoring streak to eight games as he headed home Gareth Bale’s cross and Karim Benzema made the game safe when he doubled Madrid’s lead just before half-time.
Bale teed up Ronaldo once more to make it 3-0 and the Portuguese then turned provider for Benzema to tap home his second of the game.
Ronaldo rounded off the scoring two minutes from time when he unintentionally deflected Pepe’s effort home to take his tally for the season to 17 goals in just 11 matches in all competitions.
Victory takes Real back to within four points of leaders Barcelona behind Valencia and Sevilla, but ahead of champions Atletico Madrid who drop down to fifth.
A fourth defeat in five league games for Athletic, meanwhile, means Ernesto Valverde’s men end the weekend in the relegation zone.
“We are improving in some aspects and we are growing,” said Ronaldo, who equalled the record of scoring 22 hat-tricks in La Liga also held by Telmo Zarra and Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano.
“The team played a great game and scored five without conceding, so we are very happy.”
And Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti lauded the contribution of his front three.
“All of the front three were fanastic. Cristiano scored three, Karim two and Gareth gave two assists and worked very hard for the team.
“Having the three of them working together is fundamental for the team.”
Bale provided the opener on his weaker right foot as he managed to pick out a perfect cross for the unmarked Ronaldo to head home at the back post.
Athletic ’keeper Gorka Iraizoz then made a smart save low to his right to deny Ronaldo a second and Benzema just couldn’t stretch to turn home another Bale cross as the hosts piled on the pressure. — AFP.
Online Reporter