A first half hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo has helped Real Madrid to a 4-0 win away at Malaga this evening.
Gonzalo Higuain opened the scoring for the visitors after 10 minutes when he rounded the Malaga keeper before he slotted home.
Ronaldo's first of the night came on 24 minutes when he got on the end of Angel di Maria's cross to tap home.
The forward scored again three minutes later with a low-drive from the edge of the penalty area before a cheeky flick on 37 minutes put Madrid out of sight at the break.
Despite such a one-sided opening 45 minutes, Malaga fought back after the interval and almost pulled a goal back on 49 minutes when Joaquin rattled the crossbar with a free kick.
The hosts hit the woodwork again on 77 minutes when Fernandez hit the bar from a tight angle, but the damage had been done in the first half and Madrid held on for the win.
Jack Prescott
