After failing to score in nine games Cristiano Ronaldo had scored three goals in the first 19 minutes of Real Madrid’s 6-0 win over Espanyol. He ended up with five, taking him past Raul as the club’s all-time highest scorer in La Liga.
Raul had needed 550 games to reach his 228 goals; Ronaldo has now scored 230 goals in just 204 matches.
He still needs five more to become the clubs all time top scorer in all competitions but that record falling is as inevitable as this walk over for Rafa Benitez side.
The highest goals Ronaldo has scored in a match was five goals, on April 5, 2015 against Granada at the Santiago Bernabéu. That match was watched by 71.863 Spectators.
It was also Ronaldo’s 32nd hat-trick drawing him level with Leo Messi for trebles in Spain both have already left legends such as Alfredo Di Stefano and Zara Telmo behind. Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema were also in fine form as Real’s formidable front three clicked in some style.
Ronaldo broke the deadlock on seven minutes running on to fine pass from Luka Modric and picking his spot into Pau Lopez’ far corner.
It was 2-0 after 17 minutes when Bale was up-ended in the area by Alvaro who was booked and Ronaldo rolled his penalty under Lopez body to double the lead.
On minute 19 he had his third from Bale’s cross whipped in from the left. He finished on the volley to finish off Espanyol before the first half had reached its midway point.
Bale then found Ronaldo who crossed for Benzema for the fourth goal on 29 minutes.