Ronaldo dazzles as Real beat City

Cristiano Ronaldo turned on a show as Real Madrid demolished Manchester City 4-1 before a record crowd in the International Champions Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday.

The world footballer of the year, Ronaldo, showcased his sublime skills and was among the goalscorers as Real ripped apart the 2014 English Premier League champions in a blistering first half performance before more than 99,000 fans at the vast stadium.

It was the MCG's biggest ever crowd for a football-only event.

The 10-time European champions revelled in the atmosphere, opening up Man City with dazzling touches, flicks and clinical finishing for three goals in the first half.

French striker Karim Benzema put the Spanish giants ahead with a spectacular finish in the 21st minute.

Benzema hooked in Gareth Bale's cross over his left shoulder in a brilliant piece of finishing following a fine run down the right wing by Daniel Carvajal in the lead-up.

Ronaldo pounced four minutes later, bringing down German Toni Kroos's long pass with a sublime first touch before poking home.

England goalkeeper Joe Hart was unable to keep the ball from crossing the line for a double Real sucker punch after shaky City defending as Ronaldo thrilled the crowd with his trademark goal celebration.

It got worse for City when central defender Pepe scored Real's third with an unmarked thumping header off Isco's corner just minutes before half-time.

Deep in first-half stoppage time City got one goal back through a penalty for a Sergio Ramos hand-ball as he jostled with Raheem Sterling.  —AFP