Real Madrid star Ronaldo hits hat-trick in Levante rout

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo struck a hat-trick in victory over Levante.

Ronaldo struck a brilliant hat-trick as Real Madrid moved 10 points clear at the Primera Division summit with a thumping 4-2 victory over 10-man Levante.

Jose Mourinho's men took full advantage of Barcelona's defeat at Osasuna to move into a commanding position in the title race.

Gustavo Cabral headed Levante into a surprise early lead, but the 43rd-minute dismissal of Vicente Iborra, who picked up a second booking for handling in the area, swung the game in the hosts' favour.

Ronaldo opened his account from the resulting spot-kick before adding another five minutes into the second half and completing his treble with a wonderful long-range effort on 57 minutes.

Arouna Kone pulled it back to 3-2 with a header after 63 minutes but Madrid restored their two-goal cushion when Karim Benzema curled home an exquisite fourth.