Match Report: CR7 bangs 5 goals in 9-1 demolishion of Granada

 Cristiano Ronaldo scored five goals, including a first-half hat-trick, as Real Madrid thrashed Granada at the Bernabeu. The world player of the year's first three came within eight minutes following Gareth Bale's opener, putting Real 4-0 up at the break.

 

Ronaldo's fourth came in the second half between two from Karim Benzema. Robert Ibanez reduced the     arrears before Diego Mainz's own goal, with Ronaldo heading his fifth late on. The result put Real one point behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, who have played a game less, and improved their goal difference.

Granada, 19th in the table, withstood Real until the 24th minute when Bale rounded the goalkeeper to put Real ahead. By half-time Ronaldo had his fifth hat-trick of the league season, and his 24th in La Liga, drawing level with Barca rival Lionel Messi.


Benzema's pair and Ronaldo's fourth came in a five-minute spell early in the second half, while Ibanez's consolation proved almost worthless when Mainz's mistake and Ronaldo's late header emphasised the gulf between the two sides.