Ronaldo hits five as Real crush sorry Granada 9-1

Tuesday, 7 April 2015 01:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Cristiano Ronaldo struck the quickest hat-trick of his career on his way to netting five goals in Real Madrid’s 9-1 drubbing of second-from-bottom Granada on Sunday which took Real to within a point of La Liga leaders Barcelona. Portugal forward Ronaldo struck three times in eight minutes after Gareth Bale had fired Real ahead in the 25th minute on a festive, sun-drenched afternoon at the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo has scored three or more goals 24 times in La Liga, equalling the record set this season by his great rival, Barcelona forward Lionel Messi. World Player of the Year Ronaldo has 31 career hat-tricks overall but Sunday’s effort was only the second time he has scored one in the first half. After failing to find the net in his previous nine outings, Bale netted his fifth in his last four appearances for club and country when he pounced on a defensive error, rounded goalkeeper Oier Olazabal and slotted the ball into the empty net. Ronaldo clipped home his first of the game five minutes later, added a second after more poor defending in the 36th minute and a third in the 38th when Oier could only palm his fierce shot into the net. Barca have 68 points from 28 matches, with Real on 67 from 29. Champions Atletico Madrid are third on 62 points after they won 2-0 at bottom side Cordoba on Saturday.