Five-goal Ronaldo becomes record Real Madrid scorer in La Liga

Cristiano Ronaldo scored five goals and became Real Madrid's all-time top scorer in the Primera Division 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 Stefano and Raul in one afternoon to amass a total of 229 goals in 203 matches — one ahead of Raul, who needed 550 games to reach his tally.

The 30-year-old former Manchester United player scored in the seventh, 17th (penalty), 20th, 61st and 81st minutes and Karim Benzema struck in the 28th minute as Real put a hapless Espanyol to the sword to move on to seven points from three matches.

Ronaldo, who had failed to score in either of Madrid's opening league games, needed little time to open his account, having bagged a treble here last season. He promptly scored again from the penalty spot and then completed his hat-trick on 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 within the final quarter.