'Ronaldo hat-trick as Real top in Spain'

Another one of those inscrutable headlines, this one at CNN. Here's the story:

(CNN) -- There were contrasting fortunes for the two superstars of La Liga as Lionel Messi missed an injury time penalty for Barcelona in the Nou Camp to allow Real Madrid to go top as Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a quickfire hat-trick.

Messi saw his spot kick sensationally saved by Sevilla keeper Javi Varas as the game ended in a goalless draw.

Ronaldo notched his triple in 15 first half minutes in Real's 4-0 win at Malaga and they lead their arch-rivals by a point.

Barcelona dominated throughout in the late kickoff but they were thwarted by the brilliant Varas, who kept out efforts from Andres Iniesta and David Villa.

In the dying moments, Iniesta was fouled in the area and a penalty was awarded. . . .

To me, the story is almost as confusing as the headline. And I still don't know what a "hat-trick" is. (If you didn't know, here's what it is.) (Not a sports fan, as you can probably tell.)