Real Hammer Sporting, Cut Barca`s Lead To 10

Real`s eighth consecutive victory put them on to 50 points from 23 matches.

Real Madrid swept aside Sporting Gijon 4-0 away to cut Barcelona's lead at the top of the Primera back to 10 points on Sunday.

The leaders were held 2-2 away to Real Betis on Saturday, and the champions took full advantage as Raul scored twice and Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Marcelo added one apiece to make short work of their hosts.

Raul set a new scoring record for the nine-times European champions, surpassing Alfredo di Stefano's tally by two to move on to 309 goals.

Real's eighth consecutive victory put them on to 50 points from 23 matches. Valencia, Sevilla and Villarreal are tied on 38 points respectively.

Third-placed Valencia drew 1-1 at home with Malaga on Saturday, while Villarreal drew 1-1 at Racing Santander on Sunday.

Sevilla visit Espanyol later on Sunday, when Atletico Madrid, who have 35 points, host local rivals Getafe in the late game.

Real Madrid were without the injured Arjen Robben at the Molinon but his absence was quickly forgotten as Raul stroked in Sergio Ramos's cross after 15 minutes.

Juande Ramos gave new signing Huntelaar a rare start and the Dutch striker returned the favour with his debut goal for the club, beating Inaki Lafuente in the one-on-one after a flick on from Gonzalo Higuain before the break.

Higuain set up the third just after the re-start back-heeling to set Marcelo clear on a counter-attack, and the Brazilian international calmly lifted the ball over Lafuente.

Sporting's keeper gifted Raul the fourth when he let Higuain's shot squirm through his legs for a simple tap-in 14 minutes from time, and the home side's best chance came when David Barral lashed a shot against the post at the end.