Ronaldo hits treble as Madrid hit six

Real Madrid CF made a scintillating start to the new Liga season by posting a 6-0 success at Real Zaragoza, Cristiano Ronaldo weighing in with a hat-trick.

With champions FC Barcelona not beginning their title defence until Monday's meeting with Villarreal CF, Madrid made a stunning statement of intent in Zaragoza. Ronaldo flicked in the first on 24 minutes before Marcelo doubled the lead moments later (28), and after Xabi Alonso had added to the damage with a fierce effort (64), Ronaldo finished from close range (71) for his second. The Portugal forward added his third three minutes from time, after Kaká (82) had also scored.

Elsewhere, RCD Mallorca celebrated a 1-0 victory against RCD Espanyol, Jonathan De Guzmán contributing the winner, while Club Atlético de Madrid drew 0-0 at home against CA Osasuna. Promoted Rayo Vallecano earned a 1-1 stalemate at Athletic Club, and that was also the scoreline between Getafe CF and Levante UD. Sevilla FC defeated Málaga CF 2-1 in the late game thanks to an Álvaro Negredo double inside the opening half an hour.