Gareth Bale scored his first hat-trick as Real Madrid player as Los Blancos easily defeated Valladolid 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Welshman’s brilliant performance made the fans forget Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence due to physical problems.

Los Merengues dominated from the start, with Xabi Alonso, Luka Modric and Isco as playmakers. They created goalscoring opportunities very frequently, and in the first 30 minutes they squandered many of them. Sergio Ramos and Angel di Maria’s shots went a few centimetres wide of the post.

However, in the 33th minute, Di Maria’s great play finished with Valladolid’s goalkeeper saving the Argentinian’s shot, but Bale was there to pick the follow up and send a header to the back of the net.

Almost in the next play, the Welshman sent a cross to Karim Benzema which the Frenchman headed home to make it 2-0.

Those two quick goals were devastating for the visitors, who never seemed to have any hope on a possible come-back. In fact, during the first half, Los Blancos saw 64 per cent of possession, with 15 attempts on goal.

The third goal came after the hour mark, with Bale doubling his account with a close-range finish.

Zakarya Bergdich had the only clear chance for Valladolid, testing Diego Lopez with a powerful shot from 25 metres.

Nevertheless, it was a simple match for Carlo Ancelotti’s men. Marcelo sent a pass from the left and Bale scored easily from inside the area. He scored one goal with his head, another one with his right foot and the last one with his left.

Bale became the second British player to score a hat-trick in the Spanish league.

Los Blancos put pressure on La Liga’s leader Barcelona with an amazing night. The Azulgranas, who have a six point lead over their arch-rivals, will play a crucial game at Athletic Bilbao that could see their advantage shortened.