Hat-trick hero Ronaldo makes more goalscoring history

The 30-year-old has been criticised for his form this season, but responded in perfect fashion with three goals on Sunday night to rack up another record

If you listen to his critics, Cristiano Ronaldo's best days are behind him, but the Real Madrid star showed he still has plenty left in the tank after scoring yet another hat-trick on Sunday.

Prior to the 6-0 win over Espanyol, the 30-year-old had scored 16 goals in 21 La Liga appearances this term - a commendable tally but still some way short of his usual exploits in front of the target.



But Ronaldo struck three times to draw level with Luis Suarez at the top of the division's goalscoring charts and create yet more history in front of goal.

In the two games meetings with Espanyol this season, the Portugal captain has scored eight goals, the first time any player has achieved that feat against the same opponent in a La Liga campaign this century.



One of his strikes came from the penalty spot - meaning he has converted from 12 yards seven times this term - more than any other player across Europe's five biggest leagues in 2015-16. 

He's also won 14 penalties in the league, at least five more than any other player since 09-10.

Ronaldo was joined on the scoresheet by Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez as Madrid took their tally for the season to 64 league goals. No other club has scored more in Europe's major divisions.