A Cristiano Ronald hat-trick has helped Real Madrid return to the top of the La Liga table with a 6-2 win at Sevilla.

The visitors went ahead in the ninth minute thanks to Ronaldo's side-footed finish following Angel Di Maria's through ball.

Madrid's lead was doubled with 10 minutes to go in the first half when Jose Maria Callejon deftly flicked Di Maria's searching pass into the net.

Ronaldo had his second of the match four minutes later with a powerful finish from 25 yards.

Despite their three first-half goals, Real's half ended badly when Pepe was sent off after he had picked up his second yellow card for catching Alvaro Negredo in the face with a flailing hand.

The match was put out of Sevilla's reach on 65 minutes as Di Maria cooly slotted in with just the keeper to beat.

For their effort, the hosts grabbed a consolation three minutes later when Jesus Navas smashed the ball across Iker Casilla in the Madrid goal.

However, Sevilla were also reduced to 10 men soon after when Manu Del Moral was dismissed for an innocuous-looking trip on Alvaro Arbeloa.

Ronaldo secured his fifth hat-trick of the season in the final five minutes after he swept in from the penalty spot following Federico Fazio's foul on Karim Benzema.

The rout was complete with a minute to play as Hamit Altintop scored his first goal for the club when he tapped in Xabi Alonso's cross.

Sevilla had the final word when Negredo slotted in from a tight angle against his former club in injury time.