http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?...=ESP.1&cc=4716
Ronaldo late show seals Real comeback
CR struck 2 late goals & had a hand in the other as Real fought back fr an early deficit 2 down giant-killers Hercules & ensure Jose Mourinho's in-form side remain top of the Primera Division standings.
Promoted Hercules hv already beaten Barcelona & Sevilla tis season as well as holding Villarreal 2 a draw & they were on course 2 add Madrid 2 tat list aft taking a 3rd-min lead thru David Trezeguet.
However, Madrid stormed back aft half-time 2 take the points, with Ronaldo once again 2 the fore.
The world's most expensive player, who struck 4 times in last weekend's 6-1 victory over Racing Santander, took his league tally 2 11 4 the season with 2 goals in the last 8 mins 2 seal the victory aft Angel Di Maria had struck a 52nd-min equaliser.
Ronaldo was also involved in tat goal, with his 25-yard strike being spilled by Hercules goalkeeper Juan Calatayud b4 being pounced on by Di Maria.
Tonight's victory continues Madrid's unbeaten start under Mourinho, which includes 10 wins fr 13 competitive games, while it also improves the capital club's remarkable record @ Jose Rico Perez stadium.
In 20 visits 2 Hercules' home ground, Madrid hv still 2 lose & hv now picked up 16 victories. Tat unbeaten record looked in some danger, though, aft Hercules went ahead with the 1st opportunity of the match.
Tiago Gomes sent over a right-wing cross & Trezeguet, hving peeled away fr marker Pepe, guided a pinpoint header back across Iker Casillas & in2 the far top corner of the net.
That was only the 5th goal Madrid hv conceded under Mourinho, & 1 they still trailed by going in2 the break.
The visitors had a couple of chances 2 get back on terms, prior 2 the interval, Calatayud producing good saves 2 deny Ronaldo & Gonzalo Higuain in quick succession, but they could easily hv been 2-0 behind with Casillas making a point-blank stop 2 keep out Trezeguet's header.
Mourinho opted not 2 make any changes @ the break, & he was rewarded 4 his loyalty as his charges drew level jz aft the re-start.
Calatayud failed 2 cleanly gather Ronaldo's shot, which had bounced awkwardly just in front of him, & Di Maria nipped into plant the loose ball in2 the roof of the net.
Madrid dominated possession & territory aft tat as they sought the win, & they gradually increased the pressure on the home net with Sergio Ramos, Higuain & Ronaldo all going close.
Time was beginning 2 run out, but Madrid got the goal they were searching 4 in the 82nd min thanks 2 Ronaldo.
Marcelo did well down the left b4 setting up substitute Karim Benzema, whose shot was well-saved by Calatayud but fell perfectly 4 Ronaldo 2 side-foot home fr close range.
Benzema, who has found himself under the spotlight aft struggling 2 impress with the Spanish giants, was also involved 4 mins later as Madrid netted their 3rd 2 finish the game off.
Di Maria put the France international through on the rite & his cut-back was fired in2 the roof of the net by Ronaldo via a slight deflection.
Ronaldo, who is averaging almost a goal a game 4 Madrid since his £80 million move fr Manchester United in 2009, spurned a great chance 2 net his hat-trick late on.
But it mattered little 2 the final result as Mourinho's men ensured they would go into next weekend's derby with Atletico in top spot.