Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid couldn’t have picked a better time to return to form after the convincing 5-2 home win over Real Sociedad in a week 23 Spanish La Liga match just before the crucial UEFA Champions League (UCL) clash with Paris Saint Germain (PSG).

Ronaldo netted a 33rd La Liga hattrick in addition to further strikes from Lucas Vazquez, who scored the opener in the first minute, and Toni Kroos with the visitors getting their consolation goals through Jon Bautista and former Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illaramendi.

The victory moves Real Madrid to within sixteen points of league leaders Barcelona, who host Getafe on Sunday.

In addition, the Los Merengues are now in third spot after usurping Valencia from their former position of fourth.

Atletico Madrid had earlier closed the gap on the leaders to six points following a hard earned 1-0 win at Malaga courtesy an early Antoine Griezmann strike to further condemn their opponents to bottom spot.

Week 23 Results:

Leganes 0-1 Eibar

Villareal 1-2 Alaves

Real Madrid 5-2 Real Sociedad

Malaga 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Standings (Top 4 via Points)

1. Barcelona 58

2. Atletico Madrid 52

3. Real Madrid 42

4. Valencia 40