Alaves vs. Real Madrid: Score and Reaction from 2016 La Liga Match

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to help Real Madrid beat Alaves 4-1 at Mendizorrotza Stadium on Saturday. Ronaldo struck from the spot in the first half and also had a penalty saved in the second, while substitute Alvaro Morata netted Real's other goal.

The win means Real have moved three points clear at the top of La Liga, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid still to play on Saturday as they seek to gain ground.

Real manager Zinedine Zidane kept faith with Ronaldo and the rest of his star-studded front three, despite the trio struggling for goals recently. Mateo Kovacic and Isco came into midfield alongside Toni Kroos.

Meanwhile, former Los Blancos goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco was between the posts for the home side, per La Liga:

Real's recent struggles were obvious as Alaves were the aggressors early on. The hosts pressed high in packs and more than merited their seventh-minute lead after Levante loanee Deyverson scored.

Los Merengues appeared rocked for a while after the Brazilian's finish. However, when Real are in trouble, they still look Ronaldo's way for inspiration.

It came when the referee surprisingly signalled for handball after a Gareth Bale free-kick. Ronaldo accepted the gift and tucked home the penalty for the equaliser.

Sky Sports Statto confirmed the amazing scoring run Real's No. 7 has enjoyed in Spain's top flight:

Meanwhile, OptaJose noted how Ronaldo's goal gave him one more victim in La Liga:

He completed his brace 16 minutes later after a violent deflection took Ronaldo's shot from outside the box past a stranded Pacheco.

The slice of luck came against the run of play for the visitors, and BBC Sport's Andy West was still far from impressed:

Another player on loan from Levante, midfielder Victor Camarasa, should have drawn Alaves level early in the second half. He pounced on a poor touch from Real left-back Marcelo before rounding central defender Raphael Varane, only for goalkeeper Keylor Navas to smother.

Real remain stunted in possession. Their passing was aimless and unambitious, failing to work the hosts between the lines and make the most of their pace up top.

ESPN's Dermot Corrigan correctly felt the absence of one key figure was proving significant:

Modric was missed, but Los Blancos still had enough playmakers on the pitch to unlock the door more often. Zidane needed more from Isco and Kovacic, two players struggling to take advantage of their rare starts.

The manager would no doubt also have liked to have seen more consistent hold-up play from Karim Benzema. Real's No. 9 wasn't making the ball stick with his back to goal.

It was no surprise when the Frenchman was soon subbed in favour of Morata, and some spectators may have thought it was a long-overdue change.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Yet even with Morata on, Real huffed and puffed to little effect. They didn't look like scoring until another penalty award gave Ronaldo his chance for a hat-trick, after the Portuguese forward was judged to have been held in the box during a corner.

However, Pacheco rose to the occasion to slam the door and frustrate Ronaldo. His save also meant a tense final period of Los Blancos.

Fortunately, Morata eased those nerves when he capped a swift break by lifting the ball suavely over Pacheco. Ronaldo sealed his hat-trick soon after, dragging a low shot into the far corner with his left foot.

ESPN Stats & Info added Alaves to a lengthy list of teams Ronaldo has punished three times in the same game:

"

Ronaldo bags himself a hat trick against Alavés.

Alavés are the 20th different club Ronaldo has a hat trick against for Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/XTG5DtqoE7

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 29, 2016"

The 4-1 scoreline probably flattered Real on the balance of play, but Zidane won't mind. His team are now clear at the top, and their best player is back on form.

Post-Match Reaction

Zidane was quick to admit how his players had to weather a trying first half, per Kieran Canning of Agence France Presse:

Of course, Zidane also reserved special praise for Ronaldo, saluting the forward's complete performance, per the club's official site: "It's great that Cristiano Ronaldo scored, and that he did so three times is even better. We are happy with his performance. We are always going to ask that he scores goals but he was good in every aspect."

Zidane will know how important Ronaldo remains to his team's title bid. Los Blancos will stay in front of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid only as long as Ronaldo continues scoring.