Ronaldo scores five as Real Madrid beat Granada 9-1

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Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick was his 24th in La Liga, equal with rival Lionel Messi of Barcelona

Cristiano Ronaldo scored five goals, including a first-half hat-trick, as Real Madrid thrashed Granada at the Bernabeu.

The world player of the year's first three came within eight minutes following Gareth Bale's opener, putting Real 4-0 up at the break.

Ronaldo's fourth came in the second half between two from Karim Benzema.

Robert Ibanez got a goal back for Granada before Diego Mainz's own goal, with Ronaldo heading his fifth late on.

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The ex-Manchester United forward scored five in a game for the first time, helping put Real one point behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, who have played a game less, while improving their goal difference.