Last updated on .From the section European Football

Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick was his 24th in La Liga, equal with rival Lionel Messi of Barcelona

Cristiano Ronaldo scored five goals, including a first-half hat-trick, as Real Madrid thrashed Granada at the Bernabeu.

The world player of the year's first three came within eight minutes following Gareth Bale's opener, putting Real 4-0 up at the break.

Ronaldo's fourth came in the second half between two from Karim Benzema.

Robert Ibanez reduced the arrears before Diego Mainz's own goal, with Ronaldo heading his fifth late on.

The ex-Manchester United forward scored five in a game for the first time, helping put Real one point behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, who have played a game less, while improving their goal difference.

Granada, 19th in the table, withstood Real until the 24th minute when Bale rounded the goalkeeper to put the Champions League holders ahead.

By half-time Ronaldo had his fifth hat-trick of the league season, and his 24th in La Liga, drawing level with Barca rival Lionel Messi.

Benzema's pair and Ronaldo's fourth came in a five-minute spell early in the second half, while Ibanez's consolation proved almost worthless when Mainz's mistake and Ronaldo's late header emphasised the gulf between the two sides.