Ronaldo’s Eight-Minute Hat-Trick Stuns Granada at Bernabéu
In a performance that will be etched into La Liga history, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a masterclass as Real Madrid demolished Granada 9-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Portuguese superstar netted five goals, including a breathtaking eight-minute hat-trick, showcasing why he remains one of football’s most lethal finishers.
Gareth Bale opened the scoring in the 25th minute, rounding Granada’s goalkeeper with composure to silence recent critics. But it was Ronaldo who stole the show, scoring three rapid-fire goals (30′, 36′, 38′) to give Madrid a commanding 4-0 halftime lead.
Second-Half Onslaught Seals Record Win
The second half saw no respite for Granada. Karim Benzema added a fifth in the 52nd minute before Ronaldo headed in his fourth just minutes later. Benzema struck again (56′) to make it 7-0, while Robert Ibanez’s consolation goal (74′) did little to dampen Madrid’s dominance.
A comical own goal by Diego Mainz (82′) and Ronaldo’s fifth in the 90th minute sealed Real’s biggest league victory since 1967. According to Krikya statistical team, this was Ronaldo’s second five-goal haul for Madrid, further cementing his legacy as the club’s all-time top scorer.
Tactical Breakdown: How Madrid Dominated
- High Pressing & Quick Transitions: Carlo Ancelotti’s side exploited Granada’s defensive frailties with relentless pressing. James Rodríguez and Luka Modrić orchestrated attacks, while Bale’s width created constant overloads.
- Ronaldo’s Movement: The 39-year-old demonstrated impeccable positioning, scoring twice with headers and exploiting gaps in Granada’s backline.
- Granada’s Defensive Collapse: Poor marking and goalkeeping errors from Oier Olazábal compounded their misery.
La Liga Title Race Implications
While Madrid closed the gap on Barcelona to one point temporarily, the Catalans responded with a 1-0 win at Celta Vigo to restore their four-point lead. Granada, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone, three points from safety.
Expert Opinion: Krikya Take
“Ronaldo‘s performance was a reminder of his enduring class,” says Krikya analyst David Carter. “His movement off the ball and clinical finishing were textbook. Granada had no answer to Madrid’s attacking fluidity.”
Conclusion: A Night to Remember at the Bernabéu
Cristiano Ronaldo’s five-goal spectacle against Granada will go down as one of the greatest individual performances in La Liga history. With the title race heating up, Madrid sent a strong message to Barcelona.
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