Cristiano Ronaldo struck a superb second-half hat-trick as Real Madrid thrashed Malaga 7-0 last night. Real's players delivered for coach Jose Mourinho, who had been pilloried by Malaga media and government officials in the lead up to the game.
Madrid, looking to bounce back from their disappointing goalless draw at Deportivo La Coruna, had the match all but sewn up by half-time after building a 3-0 lead through goals from Karim Benzema, Angel Di Maria and Marcelo.
Ronaldo then took centre-stage with three goals after the break - his first strikes in five games - while Benzema added a second as Madrid recorded their biggest league win under Jose Mourinho.
Ronaldo asked to leave the pitch immediately after scoring his third goal and Madrid's seventh in the 77 minute, leaving the hosts with 10 men for the remainder of the match having used all three substitutes.
