Granada CF 0-4 Real Madrid

Real Madrid have won their last seven La Liga matches

Cristiano Ronaldo's 17th league goal of the season helped Real Madrid defeat Granada to move top of La Liga.

Ronaldo put the visitors ahead after only two minutes with a low finish after Karim Benzema's square pass.

The French forward then set up James Rodriguez, who made it 2-0 with a spectacular volley from 12 yards out.

Benzema collected Ronaldo's backheel and shot past goalkeeper Roberto for 3-0 before Rodriguez added a fourth from close range after another Ronaldo pass.

Real, who were without the injured Gareth Bale, have now won their last seven domestic league matches to move above Barcelona, who they beat 3-1 in El Clasico last Saturday.

Ronaldo, who this week was announced as one of the nominations for the 2014 Ballon d'Or award to decide the world footballer of the year, has now scored in 12 successive games and netted 22 times in all competitions.

This was a perfect preparation for Carlo Ancelotti's Real side before they entertain Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Granada have now collected only one point from their last six La Liga matches and are 14th in the table.

Real Madrid have scored 17 times in their last four La Liga matches

Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo both scored once with two assists, while James Rodriguez scored twice

James Rodriguez scored his third and fourth La Liga goals for Real Madrid since his move from Monaco

Real Madrid beat Liverpool 3-0 in their last Champions League match and the two sides meet again on Tuesday