Skipper Guti and French star Zinedine Zidane, with two goals, were also on the scoresheet as Real cut the gap on runaway leader Barcelona to 10 points although the defending champion can restore its lead when it would take on Atletico Madrid scheduled for yesterday.

Real even received a standing ovation at halftime at the Santiago-Bernabeu when it opened up a 3-0 lead.

The win also kept up its unbeaten record in 2006 and represented its fourth consecutive win of the championship.

Real was also solid at the back where Alvaro Mejia and Jonathan Woodgate formed a formidable partnership.

"This was a very important victory," said Real coach Juan Ramon Lopez.

David Beckham set up the first goal with the cross that found Guti to open the score in the 14th minute.

Zidane made it 2-0 with a right foot shot two minutes before the break before Ronaldo, back in the team after a month on the sidelines, headed in the third in injury time.

Zidane wrapped up the points in the 51st minute to register his sixth goal of the campaign.

Bottom club Malaga gave new boss Manuel Ruiz Hierro a winning start with a 2-1 victory at home to fellow strugglers Athletic Bilbao.Enditem

(Source: Shenzhen Daily/Agencies)