Result: Atletico Madrid 1-4 Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo
© PA Photos
Real Madrid have restored their four-point lead at the top of La Liga with a 4-1 victory over local rivals Atletico Madrid.

Neither team really grasped the initiative in the opening stages of the match and both sides looked comfortable in possession.

The deadlock was broken after 25 minutes, when Cristiano Ronaldo's swerving free kick deceived Thibaut Courtois and rocketed into the net. It was the 27-year-old's 50th goal of the season and well worthy of the accolade.

Their lead lasted until the 55th minute, when Adrian's cross was met by the head of Falcao.

Ronaldo then grabbed his second of the game in the 68th minute. The Portuguese international cut in from the left-hand side and unleashed a vicious, dipping right-footed shot past Courtois.

The game was effectively over as a contest in the 82nd minute, when Diego Godín bundled Gonzalo Higuain over in the box to give Ronaldo the chance for his hat-trick.

Courtois went the right way but there was too much power on the shot and Ronaldo put Madrid 3-1 up. Ronaldo then turned provider for Jose Callejon to seal a 4-1 win.
Tables
TeamPGDPTS
1Barcelona367094
2Real Madrid365981
3Atletico Madrid363272
4Real Sociedad362062
5Valencia361362
6Malaga36454
7Real Betis36-352
8Rayo Vallecano36-1749
9Sevilla36447
10Getafe36-1147
11Espanyol36-644
12Athletic Bilbao36-2044
13Real Valladolid36-543
14Levante36-1842
15Granada36-1839
16Osasuna36-1636
17Deportivo La Coruna36-2035
18Real Zaragoza36-1934
19Mallorca36-3132
20Celta Vigo36-1831