Ronaldo double propels Madrid

October 20, 2014 00:00:00

VALENCIA: Real Madrid\'s forward Cristiano Ronaldo (C) celebrates his goal with forward Javier Hernandez (L) and midfielder James Rodriguez (R) during the Spanish league football match at the Ciutat de Valencia stadium here Saturday. — AFP Photo

MADRID, Oct 19 (AFP): Real Madrid ensured they will head into a big week full of confidence with a 5-0 thrashing of Levante ahead of their meetings with Liverpool and Barcelona.

Cristiano Ronaldo stretched his fine scoring streak at club level to nine games as he opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Javier Hernandez headed home to double Madrid's lead before half-time.

Ronaldo powered home his 15th league goal in just seven appearances this season to make it 3-0 before sweet finishes from James Rodriguez and Isco rounded of a seventh consecutive win for the European champions.

Madrid now lie just a point adrift of leaders Barcelona, but the Catalans can restore their four-point advantage with a win over Eibar later Saturday.