Helpless......

FC Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid

Real Madrid were handed their first loss of the season on Monday. But there are plenty of matches still to be played and the championship is as open as it was prior to the visit to the Camp Nou.

Monday's Clasico started at a frantic pace. Barcelona controlled the ball early and made it clear they were playing on their home turf. Only nine minutes in, Xavi scored the opener following a combination with Iniesta. Madrid responded immediately and Di Maria put Valdes to the test. Cristiano Ronaldo had a go shortly thereafter but was stymied by Abidal.

Just when it appeared Madrid were hitting their stride, Barcelona struck again by way of Pedro, who fired home following a cross by Villa. The Whites continued looking to cut into the lead, and on 38’ Cristiano was fouled inside the box by Valdes as the two battled for a ball, but the referee failed to award the spot kick.

Ozil was replaced by Lass at the restart as Mourinho hoped for more possession of the ball, but ten minutes in Villa made it 3-0 in a clear offside position. The goal sank Madrid, who three minutes later conceded another to Villa.

The Whites continued to play hard with the match all but in the books, but everything went Barcelona’s way. The hosts managed a fifth and final goal in injury time, but things didn't end there. Sergio Ramos was sent off after a tackle on Messi and a confrontation between players from both sides ensued.

All Real Madrid can do is turn their sights towards next Saturday’s match against Valencia. There is no sense in lamenting the painful defeat. Of 20 official matches played, it is the first loss suffered by Mourinho and company. If there is any team capable of picking itself up it is this Real Madrid.

Cristiano scores four in 1st time

Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show with a four-goal haul as Real Madrid walloped Racing Santander 6-1 at home to restore their one-point La Liga lead.

The winger struck twice in each half, with his fourth goal coming from a 55th-minute penalty, with Gonzalo Higuain and Mesut Ozil also netting.

"I am really happy because I have never scored four goals," said Ronaldo.

Earlier, a Lionel Messi brace helped Barcelona beat Real Zaragoza 2-0 as they temporarily assumed top spot.

Messi's double, however, was eclipsed at the Bernabeu at the end of a week when Manchester United's Wayne Rooney had been linked with a January transfer window reunion with Portuguese winger Ronaldo.

Rooney, of course, ultimately signed a new five-year contract but there is little doubt that Ronaldo is finally returning to the form that earned him the Fifa World Player of the Year award when playing alongside the England striker at Old Trafford in 2008.

Saturday's goals take Ronaldo's season tally to nine in the league, and 10 in all competitions after he scored in the 2-0 Champions League defeat of AC Milan on Tuesday.

Real's resounding victory, which follows 6-1 and 4-1 wins over Deportivo La Coruna and Malaga, means Jose Mourinho's side remain unbeaten in the league and have garnered a maximum 12 points from four home matches.

"Some of my team-mates were better than me but like the coach [Mourinho] says there is no reason to be euphoric," added Ronaldo, who has scored eight goals in his last three games.

"There is a long way to go in the league although being top is important."

After putting the home side in front in the 10th minute, Argentine striker Higuain turned provider five minutes later, crossing low as Ronaldo made no mistake with a simple tap-in.

Despite appearing to be offside, Ronaldo struck from close-range in the 26th minute, and he hit his hat-trick two minutes after the restart after latching on to an Angel Di Maria pass.

And when Argentine midfielder Di Maria was adjudged to have been fouled in the area in the 55th minute, Ronaldo obliged by despatching the spot-kick for his fourth.

German international Ozil completed the Real's scoring before Papakouli Diop netted a deflected consolation for the hapless visitors, who are down to 16th in the table.

RM 4:1 Mallorca; Cristiano hat-trick

Delighted with the victory and his hat-trick, Ronaldo shared his thoughts on the match with the media.

“We are anxious to be champions. We know Barcelona are in great form, but I’m convinced we’ll win.”

“I am very happy with my hat-trick, but merit also belongs to my team-mates, who have helped me immensely during my first year adapting to the team. The important thing is to be able to help the team.”

“It was hard for us to get into the game, but we were a true Real Madrid side tonight nonetheless. Our four goals gave us three points that keep the fight alive. The team played very well.”

“We have to keep hoping Barcelona will lose at some point, but we must play our next game at home and wait. We aren’t champions yet, but I’m excited about it already.”

"The Entire Team Was Very Bad"

The €94 million man had scathing comments for everyone on the pitch in last night's narrow win over Osasuna, including himself...

In post-match comments reported by Marca, Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo labelled his team's performance in last night's narrow win over Osasuna as "very bad".

Despite winning the match, scoring two goals including the winner, Ronaldo was very critical of his team. "In my opinion, the entire team was very bad. I speak of the forwards, midfielders and the back line. We cannot permit Osasuna to score goals and cause us so much trouble. We have to understand that we are fighting for La Liga and we need to be more focused. This cannot happen again because on another occasion we will not be able to come back. We have the hope that we can succeed.

"If you give up points at this stage in the season, you lose the title. Thank God we were able to score the third goal and win the match. We have to keep winning. Barcelona have a great team, but great teams also lose. We have to think it possible for them to give up points and we have to win. The best thing that came from last night's match was the three points."

RM 3:2 Osasuna; Cristiano double

RM 2:1 Zaragoza ; Cristiano made the assists for both goals

RM 2:0 Valencia; Cristiano scored again

Real Madrid took the best of the draw with Barcelona in the Spanish and is now a point of Catalan, Spanish league leaders. The triumph of the team from the capital had the usual suspects show: Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain.

The Argentine first shone. At 25 minutes unlocked the marker, DEPI receiving the ball from Guti. Higuain avoided Albelda and shot to the back of the goal of Caesar. The 1-0 gave no rest to Madrid, because the Valencia tonight without Portuguese reacted and sent a ball to the post by Mata, although there are more opportunities for the home.

In the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo started a first for wasting time, but even after David Silva had fired a bomb to the iron, the Portuguese international scored the same. Noted the 20th goal in the league to 78 minutes and then had another move on goal, but Cesar got the ball.

Thus, the Spanish title race continues to be two: Barcelona and, it seems, Higuain and Ronaldo.

RM 2:1 Almería, Cristiano making the 18th goal

Real Madrid returned on Thursday to winning in the game late 32 th day and decreased to the three-point deficit against the Barcelona.

After the home defeat in the Spanish classic, the formation of Manuel Pellegrini not dazzled, but he played enough to get the victory. Cristiano Ronaldo scored again, making the 18th goal, at least nine of the leading scorers, the Argentine Messi.

A great goal, by the way: the Portuguese received the ball thirty yards from goal, took off at speed, went through everybody wrapped up and no chance to Diego Alves. Ronaldo's goal came tie the game after the Almería have scored too early. Real Madrid came in, in fact, false in the game and allowed the home team to go forward on the marker, right on 14 minutes when Crusat finished a cross at the far post that went through everyone in the area meringue.

Ronaldo equalized before the break and has the second part of Van der Vaart gave back to the marker. By the end of the game, incidentally, belonged to the meringues several occasions of play, half of whom were unhappy at Ronaldo, but at the half thanks to a Guti shot isolate Uche and save the victory.

RM 0:2 Barcelona

RM 2:0 Santander

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain scored in a 2-0 victory away to Racing Santander on Sunday to ensure Real Madrid hold top spot in La Liga before next weekend’s visit of title rivals Barcelona.

Ronaldo netted from the penalty spot in the first half and Higuain raced clear to double the lead in the 76th minute, but there was little else of note in a low key game.

“The important thing was to win. It wasn’t brilliant, but we were very solid at the back,” Real coach Manuel Pellegrini told reporters.

Real moved on to 77 points with eight matches left to play, ahead of Barca on goal difference, after the champions swept aside sixth-placed Athletic Bilbao 4-1 on Saturday.

With Real notching up their 12th straight league victory and Barca having only lost once all season, next Saturday’s ’Clasico’ at the Bernabeu is being seen as crucial to the outcome of the title.

The head-to-head record between the sides decides first place if they end up level on points, and Barca hold the edge after a 1-0 win at the Nou Camp in November.

Ronaldo was brought down as he dribbled into the area after 23 minutes at the Sardinero, and the Portuguese forward scored from the ensuing penalty.

Racing, 17th in the 20-team league, offered little in response though youngster Sergio Canales, who has been signed by Real for next season, came closest to levelling when his lob bounced just wide of the post.

Real made sure of the points when Alvaro Arbeloa sent Argentine Higuain through for his 24th league goal, and Guti and Ronaldo both went close to adding to the score in the closing stages.

RM 3:2 Althleico Madrid

RM 4:2 Getafe; Cristiano double

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain both scored twice as Real Madrid went back to the top of the Spanish League with a 4-2 win at Getafe on Thursday, replacing Barcelona on goal difference.

It was a 10th successive league victory for Real with three goals in the first 23 minutes wrapping up the game as the Madrid giants steamrolled their neighbours.

Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 13th minute, curling in a superb free-kick from close range before Argentine striker Higuain marked a century of games with a double inside three minutes to take his season’s tally to 22.

Portuguese star Ronaldo grabbed his second, and 17th of the season, on 37 minutes to make it 4-0 before Real old boy Daniel Parejo pulled a goal back for the hosts in a goal-packed first period.

The Coliseum had been a difficult venue for Real over the years, losing 3-1 there last season.

But there was no chance of a repeat horror show when Real surged into a four-goal first half lead.

“It was a good result that had not been good to us in the past and we are now back at the top,” said Real coach Manuel Pellegrini.

“We reduced our level of intensity in the second half due to the proximity of the derby (on Sunday) and to avoid yellow cards.”

A foul right on the edge of the area gave Ronaldo a sight on goal and the former Manchester United man planted a pinpoint free-kick into the corner for a 13th minute opener.

Higuain then got himself on the scoresheet latching on to a Rafael van der Vaart pass before finishing smartly on 20 minutes.

Getafe were shocked when the Argentine scored again three minutes later for his 22nd goal of the season, three goals behind Barcelona’s Lionel Messi in the goalscoring charts.

Esteban Granero and Sergio Ramos spurned chances for Real before Ronaldo scored an individual goal with several step-overs before rifling a shot into the net although goalkeeper Oscar Ustari should have done better.

At 4-0 the game was up although Getafe pulled a goal back a minute later through Parejo following a mistake from Iker Casillas.

Casillas flapped at the ball and tried to atone for his mistake by racing out of his goal but Parejo slid to take the ball and leave the Spanish international goalkeeper in pain on the floor.

Parejo slotted the ball in despite pleas to put the ball out with Casillas on the ground injured.

The Spain captain was furious and refused to accept Parejo’s hand of apology after the goal.

Predictably the second half failed to match the excitement of the action-packed first period with Getafe raising their game after a dreadful first 45 minutes while Real went off the boil.

The hosts pulled a second goal back on 80 minutes when a deflected shot fell to Pedro Leon who made no mistake from close range.

RM 3:1 Gijon

Sporting positioned themselves well on the pitch and made things hard for Real Madrid, even managing to score the opener. But the Whites fought back and dominated the match, eventually turning the score around and winning 3-1.

Real Madrid had many chances on goal in the first half. Higuain had several, first trying to head in a pass from Marcelo (8′), then missing his mark with a crossed shot with his right foot following a 30-metre assist (33’), and finally coming close to scoring from outside the box after receiving the ball with his back to the goal and turning on himself (44’). Goalkeeper Juan Pablo was inspired and thwarted a great shot by Ronaldo (33’).

Manuel Pellegrini realised the match was beginning to resemble the first leg clash between both sides (which ended in a draw) and decided to bring Guti on for Lass. Real Madrid had their first chance to score in the second half two minutes after half-time when Higuain assisted Van der Vaart with a cross into the box, but the Dutchman’s shot went over the crossbar.

Sporting scored six minutes later and Real Madrid were forced to make a comeback. Following a series of set pieces, Van der Vaart scored an equaliser taking advantage of the clearance Juan Pablo had been forced to make from a shot by Ronaldo (55’). Four minutes later, Ronaldo tried to head in the ball following a corner kick by Granero. The ball failed to go in, but Xabi Alonso finished the play off successfully, also with a header (59’). Higuain sealed the victory with a tight and brilliant shot with his left foot (67’). Gago came in for Granero in the final minutes of the match.

Angry

Real Madrid GM Jorge Valdano wasn't surprised by the angry reaction Cristiano Ronaldo had against Valladolid's players during their win yesterday.

Ronaldo was visibly furious over the attention he received from Valladolid's defenders on the night.

But Valdano said: "You must analyze how Cristiano is treated by the opposition. He answers as a proud player who wants to win, with courage and a strong personality. He is one of the best the world. And he's very strong.

"It is difficult to hurt him. He takes great care and trains very well. He needs everyone's support."

RM 4:1 Valladolid; Cristiano scoring in five consecutive weeks

Cristiano Ronaldo's goal against Valladolid at the Jose Zorrilla Stadium allowed him to emulate his own best goal scoring streak in a league competition. The Portuguese player has netted strikes consecutively against Xerez, Villarreal, Tenerife, Sevilla and Valladolid. By scoring against Sporting Gijon next week, he will break his own personal mark.

Ronaldo netted strikes in five consecutive weeks during one of his seasons at Manchester United, against Derby County, Bolton, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough. He tallied 42 goals in total that year, winning the Golden Boot, the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player awards.

The Portuguese star is Real Madrid's current top scorer, having netted strikes in all of the competitions the team has participated in this season. He is the squad's second top striker in La Liga behind Higuain.

RM 3:2 Sevilla

Real Madrid celebrated their 108th anniversary with a tremendous victory over Sevilla that put them at the very top of the league table. The Whites came back from an initial 2-0 defeat to end up winning the match 3-2.

Real Madrid depended on themselves to become league leaders at the start of the match, but Sevilla didn’t make things easy for them and wanted to dominate from the start. The visitors scored the opener in the first 10 minutes. Navas passed the ball to Capel following a run down the right wing. The latter’s shot on goal hit Xabi Alonso and subsequently ended at the back of Casillas’ net (9′).

Pellegrini’s men gradually started to dominnate the match. Marcelo had a chance in a one-on-one with Palop, Higuain had a shot on target that was saved by the keeper, so did Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo… Palop seemed unbeatable.

Sevilla scored a second goal after half-time from a free-kick taken by Dragutinovic (53′). Pellegrini made Van der Vaart and Guti come on for Arbeloa and Lass and things started to change. Ronaldo scored his team’s first goal with his left foot following a clearance by Palop (59’) and Ramos headed in a corner kick served by Van der Vaart a few minutes later (63’).

Guti took over in midfield and orchestrated the Whites’ bouts in attack. Higuain had several shots on target, but he hit the crossbar, the posts and one of the top corners of the goal. The Argentine’s persistence was incredible.

Sevilla fought back, but Ronaldo, Raul and Higuain kept trying to score a winning goal. Close to the end, Palop cleared a header by Higuain and Van der Vaart put the ball in from the floor, giving Real Madrid an epic victory that makes them leaders of La Liga.

RM 5:1 Tenerife; 100 League goals for Cristiano

Real Madrid earned a crucial victory at Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez Stadium on Saturday eight years after their last visit. The Whites displayed magical football against a Tenerife side that gave them a lot of room to play open, vertical football. Gonzalo Higuain scored a brace and Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul followed suit with one goal apiece. With the win, Real Madrid set a new club record for the most points earned over the first 24 weeks of play.

Higuain is the poster child of efficiency. The Argentine forward needed just two shots to add another two goals to his season tally; the first with his left foot and the second with his right. Two moves that did away with the suffocating pressure applied by Tenerife, who knew that their only chance of pulling off the upset was by leaving it all on the pitch.

The first of the night was a by-product of a steal by Marcelo along the left flank, followed by a Zidane-patented pirouette by the Brazilian and a brilliant pass to Higuain, who slipped the ball past the keeper. Tenerife almost pulled level with a shot by Nino, but Casillas was too quick to the ball. Higuain wasn’t done yet, and Garay’s cross found Pipita, who sent a shot across the grain and into the back of the net for his 14th goal in league play.

Tenerife struck back early in the second half when Ayoze headered home a ball that Casillas appeared to have a solid grasp on, but Real Madrid didn’t take long in answering. Kaka capitalized on an Higuain assist with shot that strayed away from Aragoneses’ legs. Higuain nearly had a hat-trick, but his lob caromed off the crossbar. Cristiano Ronaldo added his name to the score card with a penalty kick resulting from a handball by Luna, and Raul put the icing on the cake with a flick following a cross by Van der Vaart… A sheer display of might by the highest scoring team in Spanish football and a team that has set a new club record for points over the first 24 weeks of La Liga.

"I am sad about what my country is going through and I want to help any way I can"

Cristiano Ronaldo addressed the media after the team's victory over Villarreal and had words of support for his countrymen in Madeira.

"Madeira is where I grew up and where all my family is. I am worried. I couldn't believed it when I watched it on TV. I wish to help any way I can."

"The important thing about tonight's match is that we won and that the fans had fun. We are all happy about it. We had to respond and we did. This victory will help us gain confidence. I'm sure we will defeat Lyonnais."

"The match in Lyon belongs in the past. These things happen and we need to learn from them. We responded well. We played a good game tonight and we shouldn't think about what happened in France. We all win and lose together on this team."

"I pulled off a nice play with Higuain that he managed to finish off beautifully. Real Madrid always try to play like that."

"I am always motivated when I play for Real Madrid. Thank God things turned out well. I am happy for it."

RM 6:2 Villarreal; Cristiano's Madeira tribute

Real Madrid made amends for their midweek Champions League defeat in Lyon with a 6-2 rout of Villarreal in the Bernabeu on Sunday night.

Inspired by the brilliance of Cristiano Ronaldo, Real closed to within two points of leaders Barcelona at the top of the Spanish Primera Liga.

The 1-0 defeat at Lyon has added to the pressure on coach Manuel Pellegrini, but he will rest easier after a comprehensive rout with former World Player of the year Ronado at its heart.

Gonzalo Higuain and Brazilian ace Kaka both scored twice but it was Ronaldo who set Real on the way in the 18th minute with a trademark free kick.

Madeira-born Ronaldo then paid his own tribute to the victims of the floods and mudslides on the Portuguese island by lifting his jersey to reveal a white t-shirt with “Madeira” written on it.

A penalty from former Liverpool star Xavi Alonso completed the goal glut as they kept pace with Barcelona, who had beaten Racing Santander 4-0 on Saturday.

RM 3:0 Xerez ; Cristiano returns with a double for Real

A brace from Cristiano Ronaldo helped Real Madrid to a 3-0 win over Xerez on Saturday that put them just two points behind Spanish league leaders Barcelona, who are in action on Sunday.

Returning from a two-game suspension, Ronaldo was the chief protagonist throughout for the visitors but in the first half Real did not have it all their own way.

Chances for both sides saw Jeronimo Momes and Ronaldo hit the woodwork at either end but after the break Real began to dominate.

Defender Alvaro Arbeloa made the breakthrough after 64 minutes before Ronaldo wrapped the game up with two goals in two minutes.

Kaka was the provider on both occasions for the Portuguese, who scored first with his head and then via a simple side-foot finish.

“What matters most is that the team won and that we put the pressure on Barcelona. I am very pleased with my return.”said Cristiano Ronaldo. We need to pay attention to ourselves and continue on the path we are on.”