Ronaldo when he was playing against LA Galaxy, July 2011 - All Photo Credit Aaron Jaffe

Soccer News Spotlight: Cristiano Ronaldo Hat Trick Leads Real Madrid to Victory 

Real Madrid defeated Osasuna 7-1 before Barcelona struggled to a 2-2 draw with Athletic Bilbao. Real Madrid are now in position to reach the top - three points clear at the top.

Real Madrid benefited from Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick and a Karim Benzema double resulting in a thrashing victory over Osasuna with the final score 7-1.

Cristiano Ronaldo is a world-famous Portuguese soccer player who is among the very best soccer players on the planet. As the well-known and beloved striker for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid, he is also the captain of the Portuguese national team. 

Now Ronaldo has another honor to add to his collection.  Last week, Ronaldo received the 2010-11 European Golden Boot, awarded by European Sports Magazines. Ronaldo scored 40 goals in La Liga, exceeding the record of most goals ever scored in a season in Spanish first division.  Ronaldo is now the first player to win the European Golden Shoe award in two different championships (Premier League in 2007–08 and La Liga in 2010–11). Even Lionel Messi would have to admit the tide has turned and Ronaldo's light is shining brigher.  Messi won the Golden Boot trophy last year with 31 goals.

Ronaldo performed well in the match against Osasuna, racking up his 12th Hat Trick in the Real Madrid Jersey.

After the Real Madrid victory, Barcelona's draw looked even more lackluster. Lionel Messi scored just in time to preserve Barcelona's unbeaten record and his team managed to end with a 2-2 draw in a downpour of rain at Athletic Bilbao.