Half-Time Report: Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick puts Real Madrid in firm control against Granada

An eight-minute hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo has helped Real Madrid to a commanding 4-0 half-time lead at home to Granada in La Liga.

The hosts were dominant from the start as Karim Benzema volleyed at goalkeeper Oier Olazabal before Gareth Bale failed to capitalise on some poor defending.

However, Granada fired a warning shot on 14 minutes when Robert Ibanez flashed an effort narrowly wide of the post after some confusion at the back for Madrid.

The deadlock was broken with 25 minutes played as Bale was set free by Toni Kroos before rounding Oier to slot in.

Madrid doubled their advantage just five minutes later thanks to Ronaldo, who curled the ball into the bottom corner following an incisive pass from the returning James Rodriguez.

Carlo Ancelotti's side continued to prove too much for Granada, and Ronaldo scored his second goal of the game on 36 minutes when he smashed home from close range after Oier had failed to deal with a Marcelo cross.

The Portuguese then bagged his hat-trick seven minutes before the half-time whistle as his powerful 25-yard strike found its way past the goalkeeper and into the far corner.

Granada came close to pulling a goal back with a minute left to play in the half, but Youssef El-Arabi's fierce shot came back off the crossbar.