Cristiano Ronaldo scored a long-range goal worthy of the recently awarded Ballon d'Or on Saturday to spark Real Madrid's 5-0 rout at Real Betis, provisionally lifting Los Blancos level with the co-leaders of the Spanish league. Ronaldo netted one of his signature free kicks in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday to celebrate being named the world player of the year in 2013, and he topped that with a 25-meter blast taken on the run in the 10th minute in Seville. Gareth Bale followed Ronaldo's rocket with a delicately placed free kick in the 25th for his first goal since Nov. 30. Karim Benzema, Angel Di Maria and Alvaro Morata also scored before the demolition of bottom-side Betis was over. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid can both regain their advantage over Madrid when they play matches on Sunday. Already seven points from safety, Betis entered the match needing to repeat its 1-0 win over Madrid from last season. But Madrid dominated possession from the start, and the talent of Ronaldo and company soon crushed any hopes of an upset. Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had said that he would ask Ronaldo "for more" after he won his second Ballon d'Or on Monday, and his star forward has certainly done that with two more superb goals this week to help his team advance past Osasuna in the Copa del Rey and tighten the league title race. Ronaldo was aggressive as ever from the start against Betis and his effort paid off when he unleashed a right-footed strike while dribbling at full speed that sailed past goalkeeper Stephan Andersen and into the roof of the net. The shot increased Ronaldo's league-leading tally to 21 goals in 20 rounds. He has 31 goals in 26 appearances overall this season for Madrid. Bale turned Andersen into a helpless bystander for a second time when he lifted a free kick over the wall before it suddenly dipped down and into the net. Luka Modric then set up Benzema's goal in first-half stoppage time when he pounced on a loose ball, drew three defenders to him, changed direction and crossed for the striker to slot home. Andersen denied Ronaldo one-on-one after half time, but he couldn't stop Di Maria from sending a rebound from outside the area skidding just inside the upright in the 62nd minute. Substitute Morata scored the fifth in the 90th minute. Espanyol hosts Celta Vigo later, while Osasuna travels to Granada and Rayo Vallecano is at Elche. Barcelona visits Levante on Sunday after Atletico hosts Sevilla. http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/91883.aspx
