Cristiano Ronaldo struck two late goals and had a hand in the
other as Real Madrid fought back from an early deficit to down giant-killers
Hercules and ensure Jose Mourinho's in-form side remain top of the
Primera Division standings.
Promoted Hercules have already beaten Barcelona and Sevilla this
season as well as holding Villarreal to a draw and they were on
course to add Madrid to that list after taking a third-minute lead
through David Trezeguet.
However, Madrid stormed back after half-time to take the points,
with Ronaldo once again to the fore.
The world's most expensive player, who struck four times in last
weekend's 6-1 victory over Racing Santander, took his league tally
to 11 for the season with two goals in the last eight minutes to
seal the victory after Angel Di Maria had struck a 52nd-minute equaliser.
Ronaldo was also involved in that goal, with his 25-yard strike
being spilled by Hercules goalkeeper Juan Calatayud before being
pounced on by Di Maria.
Tonight's victory continues Madrid's unbeaten start under Mourinho,
which includes 10 wins from 13 competitive games, while it also
improves the capital club's remarkable record at Jose Rico Perez
stadium.
In 20 visits to Hercules' home ground, Madrid have still to lose
and have now picked up 16 victories. That unbeaten record looked
in some danger, though, after Hercules went ahead with the first
opportunity of the match.
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