Madrid, April 5 (IANS) Striker Cristiano Ronaldo scored the fastest hat-trick of his professional career and five goals in total as Real Madrid cruised to an incredible 9-1 win at home to a helpless Granada in a La Lia match on Sunday.
The Portuguese striker scored his 32nd, 33rd and 34th league goals of the campaign in an eight minute period as his side ran rampant over a rival who did little to prevent his side’s continued attacks with some weak defending and a series of goalkeeping errors.
Ronaldo then rounded off a memorable afternoon with two further goals in the second half as Madrid enjoyed what was a virtual walk in the sunshine against a rival who failed to put up even a token resistance and as a result suffered the heaviest defeat in their history.
Real Madrid were able to welcome James Rodriguez back into their side, while Isco and Pepe were both suspended.
Interestingly in a week in which the club signed Brazilian defender, Danilo for next season, current right back Dani Carvajal was rested.
Granada kept the score at 0-0 until the 25th minute when winger Gareth Bale was stronger in the challenge than defender Diego Mainz and was able to round Granada keeper Oier before scoring.
Five minutes later Ronaldo opened his account after an interchange of passes with James, who was totally unmarked. And he netted his second from close range after keeper Oier dropped a cross at his feet.
With Granada all over the place his third goal of the game came in the 38th minute when he advanced to the edge of box unchallenged before hitting a powerful shot.
Things got no better after the break for Granada as Madrid walked through a static defence. Benzema scored the fifth after he was allowed to control a corner kick and Ronaldo netted his fourth after being set up by Bale.
Benzema then made it 7-1 when his close range shot deflected past Oier and Diego Mainz put into his own net to make it eight.
Finally Ronaldo scored his fifth of the game with a free header following a last-minute free kick.