Cristiano Ronaldo fires five to become Real Madrid’s record La Liga scorer

Cristiano Ronaldo is congratulated by his Real Madrid team-mate Gareth Bale. Photograph: Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo scored five goals and became Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer in La Liga as he inspired Los Blancos to a thumping 6-0 win at Espanyol.

The Portugal forward’s impressive haul saw him move ahead of Alfredo Di Stéfano and Raúl in one afternoon to amass a total of 229 goals in 203 matches – one ahead of Raúl, who needed 550 games to reach his tally.

Ronaldo, who had failed to score in either of Madrid’s opening league games, needed just seven minutes to open his account against Espanyol, having bagged a hat-trick here last season. He promptly scored again from the penalty spot and then completed his hat-trick on 20 minutes with the help of a cross from Gareth Bale.

Karim Benzema added a fourth before the break and then in the second half Bale again laid on the pass for Ronaldo to strike for the fourth time and make Real Madrid history. But he was still not done, converting again from inside the area on 80 minutes.

“[Espanyol] have a good team but when Cristiano has his day it’s impossible,” Real’s Portugal defender Pepe told Spanish television.

That win was Madrid’s second of the season to go with one draw. Barcelona visit Atlético Madrid later on Saturday in a match between the last two league champions.