Real Madrid thrash Getafe 3-0 to share La Liga top spot with Barca, Atletico

Real Madrid made light of Cristiano Ronaldo's suspension and absence by drawing level at the top of La Liga with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid after a 3-0 away win over Getafe on Sunday.

Ronaldo was banned after being sent off against Athletic Bilbao earlier this month.

His replacement for Sunday's match Jese Rodriguez showed his qualities with surging runs and style of play, and scored a goal after just five minutes. It was his fifth goal in six games, and came off a Gareth Bale pass, reports CNN.

French international Karim Benzema doubled Real's advantage after being presented with the chance from Angel di Maria's fine cross just before the break.

Getafe rallied in the second half but could not gain a foothold in the game and their hopes were finally snuffed out by Croatia's Luka Modric.

The midfielder scored the third in the 66th minute as his low shot beat Miguel Angel Moya.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti said that the result showed the Real Madrid was in a good mental and physical space for their upcoming games.

The defeat has left Getafe just four points above the relegation zone after a poor run.

In other La Liga action on Sunday, fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao lost 2-1 at home to Espanyol.