Ronaldo strikes twice in Real's 3-0 win away at Xerez

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice on his return from suspension as Real Madrid crushed bottom side Xerez 3-0 away in La Liga last night and trimmed Barcelona's lead at the top to two points.

Promoted Xerez have won just two matches this season but kept Real at bay until the 64th minute on a soggy Chapin pitch the Marca sports daily had likened to a potato field.

Defender Alvaro Arbeloa netted his first of the season to set Real on their way before Ronaldo twice combined with Brazilian playmaker Kaka to make sure of the points.

Undefeated champions Barca can restore a five-point advantage with a win at Atletico Madrid tonight. Coach Pep Guardiola is expected to promote a youth player to right-back with five first team defenders injured or suspended.

Second-placed Real have 53 points from 22 matches, Barca have 55 from 21 and Valencia are on 43 in third after being held by mid-table Sporting Gijon earlier yesterday.

Valencia drew 1-1 against Gijon after squandering a host of chances as they failed to put pressure on Real.

Juan Mata equalised for the visitors late in the second half after Diego Castro put Sporting ahead in the sixth minute.