Gonzalo Higuain opened the scoring against Malaga and Ronaldo, the world's most expensive player, rattled in three more before the break to take Real's goal tally to 25 from their last six games in all competitions.

Barcelona were denied by an inspired performance from goalkeeper Javi Varas who crowned his display with a stoppage-time penalty save from Lionel Messi as his side finished with nine men at the Nou Camp.

Real climbed to 19 points from eight games, one ahead of Barca. Unbeaten Sevilla are fourth with 16 points and big-spending Malaga are sixth with 13.

Sporting Gijon logged their first win of the season with a 2-0 home victory over promoted Granada, first-half goals from David Barral and Andre Castro dragging them off the foot of the standings and easing the pressure on coach Manuel Preciado.

The Asturians pushed north coast rivals Racing Santander down to 20th on goal difference after Hector Cuper's winless side suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Espanyol.

Both Malaga and Real had penalty appeals waved away in a pulsating start at the Rosaleda, but the hosts were unable to stay the pace.

Higuain rounded the keeper to open the scoring before Ronaldo side-footed in his first and the knockout blow came when Malaga's defence parted for Ronaldo to fire in from outside the area.

The Portuguese wrapped up his hat-trick with a back-heel volley in the 37th minute.

Comments

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Fri May 24 17:43:55 SAST 2013 ::

Oct 24, 2011

diepgauteng

like this guy thanks you made my weekend after chiefs dissapointed me.Proved again you are better than Messi.
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Oct 24, 2011

guiliano

Keep that seat warm for the real champs, u don't belong there and u know it.
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Oct 24, 2011

LEPEDI-la-BOPEDI

hala Madrid....
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Oct 24, 2011

VicMarlow

I love Barca, but we need a bit of fresh challenge, like the 6 - 1 pasting of Man united by Man City. Madrid may be coming back into it after playing second fiddle to Barcelona for so long.
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