The Portugal forward opened the scoring with a deflected free-kick that wrong-footed Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

Ronaldo added a second from the penalty spot before he completed his treble when he tapped in Gareth Bale's cross.

Real now have a four-point lead over second-placed Barcelona, who were held to a goalless draw by Malaga earlier.

Ronaldo has scored eight La Liga goals for the European champions this season, to draw level with Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

The 31-year-old's treble also saw him go one goal of clear of legendary Real forward Alfredo Di Stefano's individual total of 17 goals in the Madrid derby.

His total could have been more had Oblak not produced a stunning diving save to keep out Ronaldo's powerful header when the scoreline was goalless.

The result - in what was the last Madrid derby at the Vicente Calderon in La Liga - was also a blow to Atletico's title hopes with Diego Simeone's side now nine points adrift of Real.

Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored 17 goals in 16 games for club and country this season

Ronaldo recently signed a new contract with Real Madrid until June 2021 and claimed he can play on until he is 40.

In what his best performance of the season thus far he certainly shows no sign of slowing up - much to the chagrin of Atletico's fans.

Even when Zidane substituted Ronaldo with seven minutes left he took it with good grace and maturity, with no evidence of the petulant sulks of the past.

Love him or loathe him, it looks like he will be around for some time to come.
Tactically astute Zidane

Zinedine Zidane has been branded a 'lucky' manager by some but the Frenchman has more strategic acumen than perhaps he has been given credit for.

Against a formidable opponent in Simeone, his players executed the Real Madrid manager's gameplan to the letter to clinch a comprehensive win.

Zidane has still not lost a La Liga away game since he replaced Rafael Benitez in charge, with 44 goals scored and 12 conceded.

That's no fluke.