Cristiano Ronaldo hit a hat-trick as Real Madrid thrashed Espanyol 6-0 at the Bernabéu to stay within four points of La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez also struck for Real, with Espanyol's Óscar Duarte scoring an own goal to complete the scoring.

"We are used to that, when Cristiano does not put three away we question him," said coach Zinedine Zidane.

"He has a tremendous ambition and for example now has defensively done a huge job."

On Benzema, Zidane added: "It's hard to find something to improve, but he likes to work and certainly will improve. I do not care whether he scores the first or second, he is capable of scoring and giving goals, and defensively made a great job."