default-cbs-image

A dynamite Cristiano Ronaldo hat trick saw Real Madrid earn a 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid in their Champions League semifinal first leg on Tuesday, with the white side of Madrid putting one foot into the final in Cardiff with a dominant showing at home. 

Even without Gareth Bale, who was out injured, Real took it to their city rival once again in Europe's biggest competition. Facing Atleti for the fourth consecutive Champions League, all of which have seen Real eliminate Atletico, history looks to repeat itself as the hosts carry what looks like an insurmountable lead into next week's second leg. 

Real Madrid dominated in the first half as Atletico rarely threatened. Luka Modric was key in the middle, using his quickness to carry the ball into space and get Real's attack going. It felt like just a matter of time before Real scored, and it only took 10 minutes.

Ronaldo headed home a Casemiro cross from close to make it 1-0:

Real went forward for more but Jan Oblak made a couple superb saves in goal to keep his team in it.

And while Atleti showed little in attack, Ronaldo showed everything. On 73 minutes, he made it 2-0 with a rifle shot from inside the box:

On a hat trick, it came 13 minutes later for Ronaldo with this simple finish from close which saw Dani Carvajal set him up with some world class hustle:

If you've lost count, that is eight goals in Ronaldo's last three Champions League matches. And this one sees Real on the verge of making the Champions League final.

As for Atleti, is there any coming back from that. It is almost a certainty that Real scores in the second leg, as the club has managed at least a goal in 60 straight contests. One goal for Real would mean Atletico would need to score five to advance.

Relive the match with our live blog below.


LIVE BLOG

For news, stories, results and more, follow us:

- @CBSSportsSoccer - @RGonzalezCBS - Facebook