Ronaldo hat-trick shortens gap with Barca

Sports Desk: Ronaldo`s quick-fire double midway through the first half put Carlo Ancelotti`s side in command at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Ronaldo had capped the treble with a terrific header after being set up by substitute Gareth Bale in the 68th minute.

Carlos Bacca pulled one back from the penalty spot for Unai Emery`s side – who had earlier gone agonisingly close to taking the lead through Jose Antonio Reyes.

Sevilla, who face a Europa League semi-final clash with Fiorentina next week, did snatch a second through substitute Iborra, but despite a late onslaught, they were unable to prevent Real from securing a seventh consecutive league triumph.

With Barcelona having increased their lead at the top of La Liga to five points with an 8-0 demolition of Cordoba earlier on Saturday, Real got off to a positive start, with Sergio Rico pulling off a phenomenal save to prevent Ronaldo firing the visitors in front.

Sevilla, undefeated at home since a 4-1 loss to Barcelona in February 2014, were not to be outdone, however, with Iker Casillas, returning in place of Keylor Navas, having to be alert to deny Vidal.

Agencies

risingbd/May 03, 2015/Aminul