Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, left, celebrates as his team mate Gareth Bale runs towards him after scoring a goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Celta de Vigo at the Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014 (Photo: AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo turned in another multi-goal performance by scoring three goals to lead Real Madrid to a record-tying 3-0 win over Celta Vigo in the Spanish league on Saturday.
Ronaldo's 21st, 22nd and 23rd goals through 14 rounds ensured Madrid claimed its 18th consecutive victory across all competitions, matching a milestone for Spanish teams established by Barcelona in 2005-06.
Madrid maintained the league lead, four points ahead of Atletico Madrid after the defending champions won 2-0 at Elche. Barcelona, trailing Madrid by five points, hosts Espanyol on Sunday.
Ronaldo opened at the Santiago Bernabeu from the penalty spot in the 36th minute after he fell following light contact with a defender. He struck again in the 65th and 81st.
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