Ronaldo, 31, fired Madrid ahead with his 367th goal in one of Europe's top-five leagues, eclipsing the mark set by former England striker Greaves in 1971.

Ronaldo slotted in a second and, after John Guidetti gave 10-man Celta hope, Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos sealed it.

And it was unsurprising that Ronaldo was instrumental. His goals for both Manchester United and Madrid saw him pass ex-Chelsea, Tottenham, AC Milan and West Ham striker Greaves.

Selected leading European goalscorers (league goals)
366 Jimmy Greaves (Chelsea, AC Milan, Tottenham, West Ham)
365 Gerd Muller (Bayern Munich)
346 Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
317 Steve Bloomer (Derby, Middlesbrough)
310 Dixie Dean (Tranmere, Everton, Notts County)
Even though the scoreline suggested a comfortable away win, the visitors were pushed by a home side who created chances without taking them.