Real Madrid reduced the gap at the top of the Primera Division to eight points ahead of next week’s El Clasico as Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick led them to a 5-1 victory over Deportivo La Coruna last night.

DAVID BECKHAM has been ruled out of the World Cup after tearing his achilles tendon during AC Milan’s Serie A game with Chievo last night.

JUVENTUS moved a step closer to the Serie A title as they beat Palermo but the race for the top spot will go to the final day as Milan won at Parma.