Cristiano Ronaldo matched his own Spanish league record of 40 goals in a season by netting a hat trick that included two spectacular long-range strikes as Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid 4-1 Wednesday to restore its four-point lead over Barcelona atop the standings
Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 25th by bending a stunning free kick from 40 meters out of reach of Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois before Radamel Falcao equalized in the 55th.
But Ronaldo used another dipping shot — this time from outside the left edge of the area — in the 68th for his second, then added a late penalty to take his season tally to 52 goals in all competitions.
Jose Callejon also scored late for Madrid, which hasn't lost a city derby since 1999.
Watch the match's goals
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