Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the top scorer in Madrid derby history with hat-trick against Atletico

CRISTIANO RONALDO helped himself to a hat-trick in Real Madrid's 3-0 derby win over Atletico, as well as yet another record.

The Portugal captain started the La Liga season slowly, but critics who say his powers are waning may want to think again after yesterday's performance.

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Ronaldo's triple strike at the Vicente Calderon means he has overtaken the great Alfredo Di Stefano as the top scorer in Madrid derby history.

His deflected free kick in the first half gave the Galacticos the lead before he won and scored a second half penalty to make the game safe.

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Then his tap-in from Gareth Bale's cross put him onto 18 goals in the fixture, one ahead of Di Stefano.

It could have been an unprecedented four goals for Ronaldo if Jan Oblak hadn't made an unbelievable low save from his header early in the game.

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And no sooner than Ronaldo has scored his third goal, Zinedine Zidane subbed him off to ensure he was fit for Tuesday's Champions League clash away to Sporting Lisbon.

Fortunately Ronaldo reacted more positively to being substituted than the last time it happened.

Zidane hasn't been afraid to haul off his number 7 this season, substituting him during the club's 2-2 draw at Las Palmas.

When he was taken off during that game, Ronaldo looked furious, appearing to swear at his manager.