Ronaldo stars as Real Madrid batter Atletico
Cristiano Ronaldo hit a hat trick as Real Madrid swept past city rivals Atletico 3-0 to extend their lead at the top of La Liga to four points. The Portuguese star's opener took a deflection on its way past the Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
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Ronaldo doubled Real's lead from the penalty spot 19 minutes from time before he slotted in a cross from Gareth Bale.
Real, who had not beaten Atletico in La Liga for three years, made light of the absence of six key players including skipper Sergio Ramos, Pepe and Toni Kroos.
Real lead second placed Barcelona by four points after the Catalans drew 0-0 with Malaga. It was the first time they had failed to score at the Camp Nou in La Liga since Malaga's visit in 2014.
Luis Enrique’s men dominated play but without the suspended Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, who was ill, they did not possess their habitual incision.
"They are two of our most decisive players,” said Barca's stand-in captain Sergio Busquets. “They make the difference in the most important part of the pitch, but that can't serve as an excuse," he added.
Malaga had to see out of the final 21 minutes with 10 men when Real Madrid loanee Diego Llorente cynically chopped down Neymar and was shown a straight red card.
But even with the advantage of an extra man, Barceolona could not force their way through and resorted to launching crosses into Gerard Pique, who had moved forward from central defence to act as an emergency forward.
Sevilla rose to third – six points off the pace – after coming from 2-0 down at Deportivo La Corunya to win 3-2.
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