Real Madrid defender Marcelo has said team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo was frustrated with his form before scoring a hat-trick for Los Blancos against Deportivo Alaves. Ronaldo was going through a poor run of form having found the back of the net just in twice in his 6 La Liga outings for his side.
Marcelo, who captained the side over the weekend, insisted the Portuguese superstar was annoyed with his goal scoring slump.
"Cristiano is fine. Perhaps he was a bit angry before because forwards live to score goals," said Marcelo. "He's happy with the goals but more so with the three points."
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Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane praised the 3 time Ballon d’Or winner on his impressive performance.
"It's great that Cristiano Ronaldo scored, and that he did so three times is even better. We are happy with his performance,” said Zidane.
"We are always going to ask that he scores goals but he was good in every aspect. Let's hope it stays that way. He has a lot of patience and showed today that with hard work anything is possible."
Ronaldo’s excellent showing justified his manager’s decision to have his faith on the 31-year-old. Zidane picked Ronaldo ahead of Spanish striker, Alvaro Morato who is playing ever so well.
Real Madrid knew they were in for a firm test at the Mendizorrotza stadium as Alaves had already defeated Barcelona and salvaged a point against Atletico Madrid. Real had a disappointing start to the game as the hosts took an early lead through Deyverson who pounced on a mistake of Los Blancos keeper, Keylor Navas.
Real were awarded a penalty in the 17th minute after a Gareth Bale free kick struck Deyverson’s arm inside the Alaves penalty box. Ronaldo converted the spot kick to level the proceedings. He then scored his second of the game courtesy of a deflection which sent his 20-yard strike into the far corner.
The 31-year-old had a glorious opportunity to complete his hat-trick in the 79th minute as Real were awarded another spot kick but Ronaldo’s effort was saved by Alaves goalkeeper, Fernando Pacheco.
Ronaldo did complete his hat-trick in the 87th minute after some neat passing in the build up. Alvaro Morata had scored after coming off the bench and he is Real Madrid’s top scorer this season with 9 goals.
Ronaldo, who is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or this year after he had a spectacular season for club and country which saw him win two major European honours.
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