Madrid, Oct 23 (IANS): Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was delighted with his side's clinical performance against Malaga in the Spanish league.

The Saturday night game in Malaga's La Rosaleda Stadium had been billed as the chance for the big spending home side to show their prowess against one of the favorites for the BBVA Primera Liga title.

However, the contest was more or less over within 38 minutes into the game as Real Madrid raced to a 4-0 lead thanks to an opening goal from Gonzalo Higuain and a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick.

Madrid had to defend in the second half, but some good saves from Iker Casillas and the woodwork meant that Malaga never looked like getting back into the game.

"It was a fantastic first half, we played a very complete performance, but the first half was the best," said Mourinho in the pages of Sunday's edition of the sports paper Diario AS.

"It was impossible for the second half to be as good as the first. It looked as if Malaga were a poor team, but that was down to our good work, although they could have made the final score closer in the second period. The result was due to our fantastic first half," said the Real Madrid coach, who added he had liked everything about the first 45 minutes.

Mourinho also praised Ronaldo for his hat-trick.

"Cristiano's backheel for his third goal was the sort of goal that the fans like to see, but his collective play is also excellent while he is not losing his ability to score goals. I am very happy and the players are now going to a enjoy a day off work," he said.

Real Madrid will, however, return to work Monday as they entertain Villarreal in another league match this Wednesday.