Real Madrid are in cruise control at half time against Espanyol after a hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo helped to earn his side a 4-0 lead at Espanyol.

A heavily-tanned Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring for Real Madrid against Espanyol on September 12, 2015 © Getty Images

The home side could have taken a shock lead in the early moments of the game after Felipe Caicedo burst clear on goal, but under pressure from Sergio Ramos, the Ecuadorian could only force a save out of Keylor Navas.

However, Real went in front after seven minutes through Ronaldo, who latched on to a pass from Luka Modric before applying the finish past the goalkeeper.

Just past the quarter-hour mark, it was two when Real were awarded a penalty after Alvaro Gonzalez had hauled down Gareth Bale, and Ronaldo made no mistake from the spot.

Gareth Bale congratulates Cristiano Ronaldo during the game between Real Madrid and Espanyol on September 12, 2015 © AFP

The Portuguese star's hat-trick was complete after just 20 minutes when he was in the right place at the right time to convert from close range after a cross from Bale.

Espanyol were shell-shocked, but they nearly pulled a goal back when Salva Sevilla fired an effort on goal, but his shot was gathered at the second attempt by Navas.

Less than 30 minutes were on the clock when Real bagged their fourth thanks to Karim Benzema, who tapped home inside the penalty area after being found by Ronaldo, who had been given acres of space on the left.

With eight minutes of the half remaining, Gerard Moreno fired a shot into the side-netting, but that was as good as it got for the hosts who must try to limit the damage after the break.