Madrid golden boy Ronaldo dispatches Granada

Cristiano Ronaldo produced a sparkling performance as Real Madrid CF moved top of the Spanish Liga with a 2-0 triumph over Granada CF.

The Bernabéu was resplendent in shimmering gold card before kick-off as Madridistas paid tribute to the Ballon d'Or winning Portuguese forward. Granada were determined to spoil the party, and stifled the Merengues for a first half that culminated in visiting goalkeeper Roberto somehow pushing over an overhead kick from Ronaldo as powerful as it was spectacular.

Ronaldo cannot be subdued for long, though, and the second half became a showcase. He fired a low effort through a crowd for his 22nd Liga goal of the season, before bruising Roberto's legs and rattling the bar from a free-kick. Karim Benzema exploited Granada's weariness to tuck in Marcelo's layoff and further gilt the afternoon.

Elsewhere, RCD Espanyol remain a point above Valencia CF after an entertaining 2-2 draw at Mestalla. Captain Sergio García kept up his fine form to earn his side a share of the spoils, tucking in his ninth Liga goal of the campaign to cancel out Jonas' header. Jhon Córdoba and Paco Alcácer had traded goals in the early stages.

Valencia's neighbours Levante UD won 3-2 at Sevilla FC, a 76th-minute Simão strike inflicting the final blow, while, Jesús Rueda scored the only goal of the game as struggling Real Valladolid CF stunned UEFA Champions League-chasing Villarreal CF.