Four-goal Ronaldo keeps Madrid alive
Saturday, May 7, 2011
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Cristiano Ronaldo scored four goals as Real Madrid CF completed a 6-2 demolition of Sevilla FC, while Club Atlético de Madrid were stunned by a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Málaga CF.
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Cristiano Ronaldo scored four goals as Real Madrid CF ensured the Liga title race would not be decided this weekend with a resounding 6-2 victory against Sevilla FC.
Defeat for Madrid would have given FC Barcelona the opportunity to retain the league title against RCD Espanyol on Sunday, but that scenario never looked likely once the defeated UEFA Champions League semi-finalists raced into a 3-0 half-time lead.
Goals by Sergio Ramos and Kaká sandwiched Ronaldo's first strike before the Portuguese international terrorised Sevilla's defence with three more after the break, taking his seasonal tally for Madrid to 46 for the campaign. The Merengues lie five points behind Barcelona, while Sevilla are down to sixth place.
Three of the 30 goals that flowed in the Spanish top flight came at the Vicente Calderón, where José Rondón, Júlio Baptista and Enzo Maresca gave Málaga CF's survival propects a huge shot in the arm. Manuel Pellegrini's side leapt from fourth-last to 12th while fallen opponents Club Atlético de Madrid remain seventh.
Valencia CF strengthened their grip on third place with a 3-0 defeat of Real Sociedad de Fútbol. Roberto Soldado was twice on target against a Sociedad side that lie just three points from safety with three matches to go. Fortunately for Martín Lasarte's side, there are six sides worse off, including Getafe CF, who are a point back despite their 2-0 success against now relegated UD Almería. View all the results and the Liga table below.