Real Madrid

In 1989/90, Hugo Sanchez matched Telmo Zarra’s record of 38 league goals in one season; a mark from a different era of football that has yet to be equaled. Twenty-one years later, though, Crisitiano Ronaldo is on the verge of doing just that, and even surpassing it. With his hat-trick against Getafe, the Portuguese international now has 36 on the season with matches against Villarreal and Almeria still to play.

Tuesday’s match got off to a slow start for both sides. Real Madrid were satisfied with creating plays and scoring opportunities, while Cristiano Ronaldo put Getafe’s goal in the center of his crosshairs. Following an extraordinary pass by Ozil on 24’, Ronaldo out-jumped Cata Diaz and connected with a perfect header to send the ball into the back of the net. It was a heavy blow for Getafe, who were unable to advance towards Adan; by far one of the easiest matches of his career as the Azulones ended the first half with zero shots on goal.

The visitors pushed their lines forward after the restart, but to little avail. Real Madrid, meanwhile, sought a strike that would all but seal the win. Then on 58’, Higuain beat Ustari to a ball and the deflection landed at the feet of Ozil, The midfielder passed to Cristiano, who dribbled by Cata Diaz and easily scored the tap-in. The strike sunk Getafe, but only made Madrid hungrier.

Adebayor and Benzema came off the bench on 75’ and the Frenchman needed all but a minute to make it 3-0 in a brilliant show of ball control. Castilla goalkeeper Tomas Mejias then made his first team debut by stepping in for Adan with six minutes left to play.

All that was missing was the icing on the cake. And it came on 91’ when Mane tackled Ronaldo inside the box. CR7 wanted his hat-trick and had little trouble beating Ustari to close out the 4-0 win. That makes 36 goals for Ronaldo, who is the frontrunner for top scorer in La Liga as well as the Golden Boot.

Lineups

Real Madrid
Adán
Mejías 85'
Arbeloa
Pepe
Ricardo Carvalho
Marcelo
Xabi Alonso
Lass Diarra
Özil
Adebayor 76'
Di María
Cristiano Ronaldo	Goal 24' 59' 93'
Higuaín
Benzema 76'	Goal 78'

Getafe
Ustari
Miguel Torres
Cata Díaz
Mario
Mané
Boateng
Casquero
Mosquera 65'
Parejo
Borja 71'
Arizmendi
Colunga
Adrían Sardinero
Miku 46'