Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo scored a wonderful hat-trick to help Real Madrid thrash Real Sociedad 5-2 in La Liga Saturday to warm up for their Champions League clash with Paris St Germain (PSG) in style.
Earlier, Atletico Madrid rode on a solitary goal by Antoine Griezmann to see off Malaga 1-0 in a tight game to provisionally close the gap on leaders Barcelona to six points.
Real’s big victory over Sociedad took them to third above Valencia but they trail Barcelona by 16 points as they turn their attention to the defence of their Champions League title against PSG at the Santiago Bernabeu, Wednesday.
Lucas Vazquez headed home Ronaldo’s cross after 49 seconds to put the hosts ahead. In the 27th minute, a brilliant turn by Marco Asensio unlocked Sociedad’s defence and Marcelo crossed for Ronaldo to slam home from close range.
Toni Kroos curled home the third from outside the area and Ronaldo headed home Luka Modric’s corner in a four-minute spell before the interval.
The Portuguese forward completed his treble after Geronimo Rulli beat away substitute Bale’s long-range effort. Jon Bautista and Asier Illaramendi netted consolation goals for Real Sociedad.
In Malaga, Atletico went ahead almost instantly when Griezmann capitalised on Saul Niguez’s deflected strike falling at his feet close to goal. Jan Oblak saved a Roberto Rosales free kick in the second half as Atletico kept their opponents at bay to earn a narrow victory in typical fashion.
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