Rafael van der Vaart-inspired Real Madrid heaped more misery on Sporting Gijon with a crushing 7-1 victory.

Van der Vaart netted a brilliant hat-trick, while Raul (two), Arjen Robben and Gonzalo Higuain were also on the mark as Madrid outdid bitter rivals Barcelona, who thrashed Sporting 6-1 at the weekend.

Sporting's solitary effort came from Kike Mateo in the second half but it was scant consolation for a side who have now shipped 17 goals in their past three games.