MADRID -- Spanish international striker Raul helped himself to a classy hat-trick as Real Madrid ran riot at the Bernabeu to produce a 7-2 destruction of a disappointing Valladolid in a first division match on Saturday. "We were absolutely horrific in defence," said Valladolid coach Fernando Vazquez. "We didn't start playing until they were 3-0 up and Real Madrid will kill you on the counterattack."

But Deportivo Coruna, the only side in the division who have yet to drop a point, retained top spot in the table thanks to a 2-1 win away to Sevilla with goals coming from Uruguayan striker Walter Pandiani and substitute Diego Tristan.

Saturday's results left Depor top on nine points, two ahead of defending champions Real and four ahead of last season's runners up Real Sociedad who claimed their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory away to Racing Santander, Reuters reported.

Real began the match at the Bernabeu in positive mood, pinning Valladolid back in their own area and putting together a series of slick passing moves.

Valladolid keeper Albano Bizzarri produced two fine early saves to deny first Ronaldo and then Raul from putting Real ahead, but he was powerless to stop the home side taking the lead in the next attack.

Former Real Madrid defender Julio Cesar, who joined Valladolid on loan at the beginning of the season, sent his team mate the wrong way when he got his head to a wild shot from Ronaldo and sent it ballooning over the keeper into the net.