Cristiano Ronaldo was on fire for Real Madrid as he netted five goals while Karim Benzema scored twice and Gareth Bale fired home one goal to secure an easy win for the Los Blancos in a one sided affair. Carlo Ancelotti was not overwhelmed with their win though, and said after the game that he could trade this victory with nine 1-0 wins as they remain behind FC Barcelona in the title race.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored an eight minute hat-trick as part of his five-goal masterclass as Real Madrid now seem to have recovered from their recent setbacks. This was Ronaldoa s first hat-trick since December for Real Madrid.
Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, twice, were also on the score-sheet for Real Madrid, while Diego Mainz scored an own goal to pile a more misery on struggling Granada.
Real Madrid made a nervous start to the game but they never looked back from the moment they led after 25 minutes with the help of a goal from Gareth Bale. Their usual rigor was back and Los Blancos then dominated the proceedings till the very end.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was not overwhelmed with the victory and advised his players to keep winning to have any realistic chance of winning the La Liga title.
“Of course I would change this 9-1 win for nine matches in which we won 1-0 in a heartbeat,” Carlo Ancelotti told reporters after the game. “Players understand our goals and the end of the season is very close now.a
a Now the team are fresh, so it doesna t make any sense [to start resting first-teamers]. Theya ll only rest when theya re tired or therea s risk of an injury.a
Ancelotti also praised the display of todaya s hero Cristiano Ronaldo. a Ita s better when Ronaldo improves the team. Ita s the first time that he scored five goals [in one game] for Real Madrid. Ita s good for him and the team.
a Ita s obvious that this team can win the League, and fans like the ones we had [on Sunday] will help us. The players showed a good attitude and appreciated the fans.a
Midfielder James Rodriguez made a comeback after a long injury and Ancelotti said that he is happy with the return of the Colombian.
a [James Rodrigueza s] performance was very good. It didna t look like he went two months without playing. He played with intensity, quality and helped us move our play forward.a
