BARCELONA — Cristiano Ronaldo fired Real Madrid ahead before going off injured as it cruised to a 5-0 win at Almeria to remain six points adrift of leader Barcelona which defeated Granada 4-0 earlier Saturday. Atletico Madrid then played its part in a day of big wins for the teams at the top of the table when Raul Garcia and David Villa scored two goals apiece to help Atletico Madrid retain a strong hold on second spot with a 7-0 win over 10-man Getafe. Ronaldo struck after three minutes but the game was still in the balance when he limped off early in the second half. Karim Benzema settled Real's nerves by curling home the second on 61 minutes before Gareth Bale, Isco and Alvaro Morata consigned Almeria to a resounding defeat. The main concern was the extent of the leg strain for Ronaldo, who has bagged 14 goals in seven games including four for Portugal in their triumphant two-legged World Cup playoff win over Sweden. “I don't think it is important,” Real coach Carlo Ancelotti told a news conference. “He had a problem with his thigh but I don't think it will be anything as there was no pain. He will be back soon.” Injury-plagued Barca continued to set the pace after first-half penalties by Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas set them up for victory. Visiting Granada had Manuel Iturra dismissed after 66 minutes before Alexis Sanchez and Pedro completed the rout for the champion, which was missing a string of players including Lionel Messi, Xavi and keeper Victor Valdes. Barcelona has 40 points from 14 games and a three-point lead over Atletico Madrid, with city rival Real a further three points adrift after Saturday's action. Despite the ease of his side's victory Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino was forced to defend his tactics after the match. “We had the right balance when going forward and we attacked as a group,” he said in response to criticism of the team's more direct style. — Reuters
