Liga Report: Ruthless Real On Brink Of Title

Real Madrid moved to within a step of winning La Liga after a 4-0 thrashing of neighbours Atletico.

Ronaldo (2) and Raul (2) were the men who did the damage and ensured that a win at home to Athletic Bilbao next week will bring home the Liga crown. Real Sociedad's defeat at Celta Vigo looks to have all but handed the Merengues the title.

After Iker Casillas had touched wide Jose Mari's low effort, Ronaldo ran on to Zinedine Zidane's through-ball and blasted left-footing past Esteban at the near post. Poor defending from Atletico.

On 10 minutes Ronaldo found himself on side but fired a great chance wide of the far post.

At the other end, Roberto Carlos blocked a Luis Garcia shot, but on 18 minutes it was 2-0. Superb work from Figo down the right, led to the Portuguese winger crossing for Raul who converted from close-range.

After Jose Mari had headed over, Roberto Carlos drove a left-wing cross into the area and Ronaldo was on hand to tap home at the far post. Game over.

The last action of the half saw Jose Mari embark on a good run, but his shot was blocked.

Atletico came out with more vigour after half-time, and a Jorge shot went just wide.

After Ronaldo had seen a shot deflected off target, Casillas made a close range save from Fernando Torres.

The impressive Ronaldo shot wide once again when nipping in front of an Atletico defender, and the Brazilian really should have scored when he headed Figo's right-wing cross wide of the far post.

On 73 minutes it was 4-0 as Raul turned in Zidane's free kick at the near post. More poor Atletico defending.

The remaining action saw Casillas dive to save from Fabricio Coloccini, while Ronaldo missed a sitter when putting the ball wide from right in front of goal.