Real Madrid demolish Deportivo 8-2
MADRID. KAZINFORM - Real Madrid were looking to find their form after two lacklustre outings. Los Blancos had suffered two straight losses during their La Liga campaign, but the current European champions, led by world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo would break out of their funk in a big way against Deportivo.
Los Blancos raced out to a 3-0 lead at half time with two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and a stunning strike from James [HA-MEZ] Rodriguez.
In the second half, Deportivo cut into the visitors lead, with a goal back from the penalty spot, but after that it was the Real Madrid show, Kazinform refers to Xinhua.
Gareth Bale squeezed a low shot in off the far post in the 66th, and scored his second 16 minutes from time. Ronaldo completed his 27th career hat-trick four minutes later.
Jose Verdu headed a second for the hosts in the 84th and Javier Hernandez came off the bench to score a fine quickfire double as the home side, promoted at the end of last season, crumbled.
Elsewhere, champions Atletico Madrid were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Celta Vigo, who took the lead through an audacious backheel by Pablo Hernandez and fought back from 2-1 down to earn a deserved point. Granada continued their fine start with a 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao to move up to third.
Espanyol's Uruguayan striker Christian Stuani struck with a header two minutes from time to put them 2-1 ahead against Malaga in the late game but Duda's stoppage-time free kick earned the visitors a draw that left Espanyol second-bottom.