Real Madrid tore through Sevilla in La Liga yesterday, recording a 6-2 win to move back to the top of the table, three points ahead of Barcelona.

 

The game was a display of power and purpose from Los Blancos, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who starred with a hat-trick, stated the display was a reminder to those who have criticised him to pipe down.

 

The Portuguese came in for stick following his inability to stop Barcelona winning last weekend’s El Clasico 3-1, but he instantly got off the mark at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, scoring after just ten minutes.

 

Jose Callejon added a second after 38 minutes, while Ronaldo grabbed his second four minutes before the break.

 

Centre back Pepe was sent off just before half time, but Real Madrid responded by inflicting another crushing blow on Sevilla, scoring through Angel di Maria in the 66th minute.

 

Sevilla grabbed a goal through Jesus Navas before Manu del Moral saw red.

 

Ronaldo then converted a penalty and Hamit Altintop scored Real Madrid’s sixth. Even Alvaro Negredo’s injury time goal to make it 6-2 could not spoil the party.

 

And for Ronaldo, the performance was a message to those who had criticised him.

 

"This is to shut the mouths of those who criticise me", said the Portuguese.

 

"I’m focused on my team. We played well, it was a difficult game and we are pleased with our performance."

 

Ronaldo also stated that "those who criticise me do not understand football."

 

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