Ronaldo fires record 23rd hattrick with 200th La Liga goal in Real's 18th straight win

Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo fired his record 23rd hattrick and also completed his 200th Spanish top-flight goal as he led Real Madrid to a record-equalling 18th straight win on a historic night at the Bernabeu.

The Portugal captain has now scored more hat tricks than any other La Liga player after completing his 23rd treble with his 200th Spanish top-flight goal, as Real thrashed Celta de Vigo 3-0.

Ronaldo put Real ahead by drilling in a disputed penalty before half-time, after he had been fouled under seemingly minimal contact. And his clinical volley in the 65th minute and guided finish nine minutes before time moved Real four points clear, The BBC reported.

Ronaldo, who is the favourite to win the 2014 Ballon d'Or for his performances this year, was given a standing ovation as he was substituted towards the end of another memorable performance.

Ronaldo had scored the same amount of hat tricks as legendary Real forward Alfredo Di Stefano and Telmo Zarra of Athletic Bilbao, and eclipsed their tallies when he steered in Marcelo's cross.

The goal also meant he reached his second century of La Liga goals in his 178th match for Real.

Meanwhile, defending champions Atletico Madrid moved up to second after a 2-0 win at Elche earlier on Saturday, although Barcelona can overtake and reduce the gap on Real back to two points when they host Espanyol on Sunday, the report added.