Cristiano Ronaldo had another hat-trick to extend his scoring streak to eight consecutive games and lead Real Madrid to a 5—0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish league on Sunday.
Karim Benzema added two goals as Madrid’s speedy forwards picked apart a Bilbao side that proved brittle at the back and is now winless in its last seven games in all competitions.
Gareth Bale set up Ronaldo’s goals in the third and 55th minutes. Karim Benzema scored in the 41st and 69th, and Ronaldo scored again in the 88th.
Ronaldo’s treble gave the Ballon d’Or holder a league-leading 13 goals in six appearances and 17 overall this season.
Madrid’s sixth straight win across all competitions lifted it past Atletico Madrid into fourth place, four points behind leader Barcelona.