Real Madrid needed Cristiano Ronaldo to see off Hercules last night.
Ronaldo struck two late goals and had a hand in the other as Real Madrid fought back from an early deficit to down giant-killers Hercules 3-1. Promoted Hercules have already beaten Barcelona and Sevilla this season, as well as holding Villarreal to a draw, and they were on course to add Madrid to that list after taking a third-minute lead through David Trezeguet.
However, Madrid stormed back after half-time to take the points, with Ronaldo once again to the fore.
The world's most expensive player, who struck four times in last weekend's 6-1 victory over Racing Santander, took his league tally to 11 for the season with two goals in the last eight minutes to seal the victory after Angel Di Maria had struck a 52nd-minute equaliser.
