Real Madrid coach Benitez hails 'historic' Ronaldo

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates a goal against Espanyol during their Spanish first division soccer match in Cornella de Llobregat, near Barcelona, Spain, September 12, 2015. REUTERS/Albert Gea

MADRID (Reuters) - Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has secured his place in the history books after he became the club's record scorer in La Liga with a five-goal haul at Espanyol on Saturday, according to coach Rafa Benitez.

The Portugal captain and FIFA Ballon d'Or holder, who put five past Granada in La Liga last term, was unstoppable at Espanyol's Cornella-El Prat stadium and Karim Benzema was also on the score sheet as Real romped to a 6-0 victory.