Record-breaking Ronaldo inspires Real Madrid to victory

Cristiano Ronaldo became Real Madrid’s standalone record goalscorer as Rafael Benitez’s men cruised past Levante 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Marcelo put the hosts into an early lead on Saturday and, despite Levante threatening on occasion, Ronaldo’s 324th Madrid goal took him beyond Raul in the club’s scoring charts and made the game safe.
Roger and Deyverson called Keylor Navas into action, but the home goalkeeper was in fine form to earn a clean sheet.
After Ronaldo went close to extending his lead over Raul, Jese eventually made it 3-0 with a superb finish from a tight angle.
Victory puts Madrid top of the league, although Villarreal can resume at the summit if they beat Celta Vigo on Sunday.
Navas was called into action after just four minutes when Roger tried his luck from a narrow angle, only for the Costa Rica international to palm his right-footed shot wide for a corner.
Danilo set up Gareth Bale with a fine pass over the top shortly after, yet the Welshman blasted his effort high and wide, while Ronaldo had a penalty shout turned down after going down under Simao’s challenge.

Read also: Ronaldo makes history with 500th goal

Madrid went ahead in the 27th minute after a fine combination between Marcelo and Ronaldo.
Ronaldo got a chance to double his personal tally after the referee awarded Madrid a free-kick in a dangerous area following a foul on Lucas Vasquez, yet his set-piece lacked the accuracy to trouble Ruben.
Deyverson should have halved the deficit in the 70th minute when he got all the time and space he needed to unleash a shot from inside the area after a low cross from the left, but the Brazilian’s shot hit Nacho before it went out for a corner.
Jese would eventually have the last say at the Bernabeu as he made it three with a stunning finish after being set up by Lucas.

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