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Cristiano Ronaldo notched treble as Real Madrid routed Espanyol

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Portugal Cristiano Ronaldo bagged record 35th club hat-trick to help Real Madrid close the gap on leaders Barcelona as they demolished Espanyol 6-0 at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.

Despite of the comprehensive victory, Real Madrid remained third on the points table with highest goal difference at the La Liga Summit. They now trail league leaders Barcelona by four points and just one point behind city rivals Atletico.

The hosts were on top of their game from the start of the contest and displayed ruthless attacking football. Karim Benzema opened the scoring after just seven minutes when the Frenchman turned in James’ perfect cross from six yards. Five minutes later, Portugal Cristiano Ronaldo doubled the lead from the spot when he was pulled down by Enzo Roco.

Zinedine Zidane’s men never looked back as they kept on attacking despite of two goals ahead of their opponents. James Rodriguez made it 3-0 after just 17 minutes when his shot deflected off the back of defender Papakouli Diop and goalkeeper tumbled on the wrong side in search of a ball.

The Portugal captain grabbed his second of the evening when he broke through and deceived Espanyol goalkeeper Arlauski just outside the box. Former Manchester United forward clinched his treble just eight minutes before time when he headed Jesse’s cross into the top corner. It was his 35th hat-trick for Real Madrid, extending his lead in the all-time standings over Alfredo di Stéfano, who scored 28 Real Madrid hat-tricks.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 30 goals for Los Blancos this season while he has joined Barcelona’s Luis Suarez at the top in Spanish league. The home side completed the demolition with four minutes remaining when Espanyol center-back Duarte unfortunately deflected Jese’s low center into his own net.

Real Madrid will travel to Granada next Sunday hoping to catch Barcelona after Luis Enrique’s side defeated nine-man Atletico 2-1 at the Camp Nou on Saturday. Portugal Cristiano Ronaldo  IMAGE/Getty Images

Manchester City set up Capital One Cup final with Liverpool

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Manchester City staged an unbelievable comeback to defeat Everton 3-1 (4-3 on aggregate) in the second-leg of the Capital One Cup semifinal at Etihad Stadium.

Everton came into the contest holding a 2-1 advantage from the first leg and they looked on course for Capital One Cup final in Wembley. The visitors took an early lead when Ross Barkley sailed to the City penalty area and fired a low drive into the bottom corner, making it 3-1 on aggregate.

The away side displayed their inability to hold a lead as City hit-back minutes later. The Toffees still had the edge after Fernandinho leveled on the night midway through the first half. Sergio Aguero, who was closely watched by Everton back-four, somehow found space to smack an effort against the post in 36th minute.

After the interval, the hosts increased the pressure but Everton were surviving with some good fortune. The Argentine international Aguero missed a shot from 10 yards and David Silva headed against the post four minutes later. After missing clear opportunities, City looked desperate and frustration was growing in their dugout.

Finally the moment of joy came in 70 minute when De Bruyne netted home after Raheem Sterling ran the ball a yard over the dead-ball line. The decision to award the crucial equalizer was a huge disappointment for Roberto Martinez as the ball was clearly out of play when Sterling pulled it back.

Six minutes later, Aguero put City ahead for the first time in the tie. The Belgian international De Bruyne provided the magic, curling the ball into the middle where Aguero was waiting to flick a header into the bottom corner. The Argentine striker had impressive start to 2016 and he has returned to his best form after an injury-hit few months.

The bad news is that Kevin De Bruyne was taken off with a serious-looking knee injury after landing awkwardly. The Drongen-native De Bruyne, who came on to replace Yaya Toure, played vital role in City’s triumph as he scored within three minutes on the pitch and provided an assist for the winner.

Manchester City will face Liverpool in the Capital One Cup final on 28th of February. IMAGE/Getty Images