Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema were all on the scoresheet as Real Madrid recorded a 4-0 win over Alaves in Saturday’s La Liga clash at the Bernabeu.
Los Blancos have now been victorious in each of their last four league matches – closing the gap on second-placed Atletico Madrid to just four points in the process.
Ronaldo netted twice for the Spanish champions, but passed up the chance to score his hat-trick in the latter stages from the penalty spot as the Portuguese allowed under-fire Benzema to get his name on the scoresheet.
Real Madrid made the breakthrough in the 44th minute, however, with Ronaldo spinning inside the Alaves box before firing an unstoppable low effort into the bottom corner following smart work from Benzema.
Los Blancos then doubled their lead less than one minute into the second period when Benzema raced clear before feeding Bale, who carefully slotted the ball past Pacheco to double the home side’s advantage.
Real Madrid’s third arrived just past the hour when Ronaldo swept a low Lucas cross into the bottom corner for his 28th goal of the season.
Real Madrid’s fourth of the afternoon came from the penalty spot in the 89th minute when Benzema found the bottom corner with a cool finish after Bale had been brought to the ground.
Real Madrid’s chances of retaining the Spanish title have all but ended due to Barcelona’s incredible season, although Zidane’s side now have second-placed Atletico firmly in their sights.