Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo hit a hat-trick as they thumped Real Sociedad 5-1. Ronaldo struck three in the 7-3 victory over Sevilla last week and the Portugal superstar repeated the feat against Sociedad with strikes in the 12th, 27th and 76th minutes to take his league tally to 16 for the campaign.
The 28-year-old also set up Madrid's second for Karim Benzema in the 18th minute while Gareth Bale's pass helped Sami Khedira make it 4-0 in the 36th minute.
The attacking trident of Ronaldo, Benzema and Bale, who cost a combined total of around £200million, have now notched 16 of the 17 goals Madrid have scored in their last four matches - the other being Khedira's strike - while they also boast a host of assists between them.
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti remarked: "The first half was perfect, they played very well, they were fast and effective, playing in short and long distances. The team played very well.
"Cristiano's talent puts him in a different category altogether, it's out of this world. He scores so regularly and with such incredible ease.
"It's hard to find new words to describe him."
