22 May 2011

Ronaldo sets scoring record in Spain

4:39 pm on 22 May 2011

Cristiano Ronaldo has set a new Spanish Primera Liga single-season scoring record with his 39th and 40th goals of the campaign for Real Madrid against Almeria.

He notched his first after four minutes and his second on 77 as Real thumped their already-relegated opponents 8-1.

His double meant he moved two clear of the previous mark, which he jointly held with Real's Hugo Sanchez and Athletic Bilbao striker Telmo Zarra.

Ronaldo, who had scored nine goals in his previous three games heading into the final fixture, has netted 53 in all competitions for Madrid this season.

Meanwhile Deportivo Coruna were relegated from La Liga on the final day of the season, a 2-nil defeat at home to Valencia ending a 20-year stay in the Spanish top flight.

Newly-crowned champions Barcelona also wrapped up their campaign with a victory, coming back to win 3-1 in Malaga with most of their first team being rested ahead of next weekend's Champions League final against Manchester United.

Barca, who secured their third consecutive league crown last week, finished with 96 points from 38 games, four ahead of second-placed Real Madrid,.