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.
Michael Penkman
