Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice for Real Madrid in their rout of Almeria.

Two late goals from Cristiano Ronaldo helped Real Madrid increase their Spanish record run to 20 straight wins with a 4-1 triumph at struggling Almeria on Friday night.

Carlo Ancelotti's men ensured they would end their domestic year in style but only after a scare as Almeria striker Verza briefly drew his team level and could have done so again had he not missed a second half penalty.

Almeria held out for 33 minutes before Isco gave Real Madrid the lead with a right-foot finish from a Karim Benzema corner, before the hosts made it 1-1 thanks to Verza.

The home side were level for less than three minutes before Gareth Bale restored Real's advantage with a header from a cross by Toni Kroos.

Ronaldo eventually made the game safe in the 81st minute when he was played in by Benzema and fired past Ruben to put his side 3-1 ahead.

With the home side quickly tiring, Ronaldo made it four two minutes from time with a shot from the right side of the box after a lay-off by Daniel Carvajal.