Five-star show:

Ronaldo stars as rejuvenated Real thrash Sevilla

MADRID: Real Madrid sent a warning to Barcelona just two weeks ahead of El Clasico by storming back into form as Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in a 5-0 thrashing of Sevilla.

Sevilla had started the afternoon on the same number of points as Real in joint fourth, but the sides looked worlds apart as Real scored all five goals before half-time to close to within five points of Barca at the top of the table.

Nacho got the hosts off to a perfect start before Ronaldo doubled his La Liga tally for the season with a cool finish and a penalty inside the halfhour mark.

Toni Kroos and Achraf Hakimi rounded off the rout as Real leapfrogged cross city rivals Atletico Madrid into third.

Valencia moved to within two points of Barca as Dani Parejo’s penalty 10 minutes from time earned a 2-1 win over Celta Vigo.

Real’s spirits were lifted even before kick-off as Ronaldo showed off his record-equalling fifth Ballon d’Or to an adoring Bernabeu.

There had been concern in Real ranks all week at the European champions’ lack of defensive options with Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal and Casemiro all suspended and Raphael Varane injured.

However, it was Sevilla who looked like the side without a defence as they gifted the hosts the opener after just three minutes.

“Scoring five goals against Sevilla isn’t easy so we can be delighted,” said Real boss Zinedine Zidane.

“I am happy for Cristiano to get his goals and the fact some players who haven’t had so many minutes did so well.”

Valencia relied on the finest of margins to edge out Celta to remain Barca’s closest challengers.

Simone Zaza ended a six-week goal drought as he flicked home Parejo’s corner at the near post to hand Valencia a half-time lead.

Celta, who became the first visiting side this year to take points from Barca’s Nou Camp last weekend, were on course for another excellent point when Iago Aspas stabbed home from close range early in the second half.

However, the visitors were furious when Pablo Hernandez was adjudged to have tripped Nacho Gil inside the area and Parejo was given the chance to drive the resultant penalty past Sergio Alvarez despite the Celta goalkeeper’s best efforts. — AFP

— AFP Report Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo posing with his five Ballon d’Or trophies ahead of the La Liga match against Sevilla at the Bernabeu on Saturday. Inset: Ronaldo attempts a scissors-kick at the Sevilla goal.

— AFP Liberating: Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating after scoring one of his two goals against Sevilla at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

Back of the net: Real Madrid’s Achraf Hakimi scoring past Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico Gonzalez.