Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice and Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema added goals as Real Madrid beat Alaves 4-0 in the Spanish league on Saturday.
Benzema set up both Ronaldo's opener and a quick second goal by Bale to put the result beyond doubt seconds after halftime.
Benzema used a subtle touch with the back of his heel to leave Ronaldo in position to drill the hosts' first goal into the net in the 44th minute.
The French striker helped to double the lead less than 30 seconds into the second half after he stole possession from Alexis Ruano, catching Alaves defending a four-on-two attack. Benzema laid off for Bale to fire past goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco.
Ronaldo got in his second goal in the 61st when he used one touch of his right boot to fire lucas Vazquez's pass under Pacheco. Benzema converted a penalty in the 89th after Bale was fouled by Victor larguardia in the area.
Ronaldo's goals were his 27th and 28th of the season in all competitions and took his tally in la liga to 14.
Madrid, in third place, moved to within 11 points of Barcelona. Madrid was without Sergio Ramos, serving a one-game suspension, and fellow starters luka Modric, Marcelo and Toni Kroos due to injuries.
reds in 2nd place
The lethal attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane struck again to move liverpool into second place in the Premier league on Saturday.
All three forwards were on target in a 4-1 win over West Ham at Anfield that lifted liverpool above fierce rival Manchester United, which plays Chelsea on Sunday. Salah is tied with Harry Kane as the leading scorer in the league with 23 goals.
At the other end of the standings, last-place West Bromwich Albion's survival hopes took another hit after a 2-1 loss at home to fellow relegation rival Huddersfield.