Top 10 most memorable Cristiano Ronaldo performances of the decade

#5 2012-13 UEFA Champions League Group-stage: Ajax 1-4 Real Madrid

Ronaldo scored his first Champions League hat-trick against Ajax in 2012-13

In his 82nd Champions League game, Ronaldo bagged his first hat-trick in the competition as he scored thrice for Real Madrid on Matchday 2 of the 2012-13 season.

Having scored in Madrid's opening day win over Manchester City, Ronaldo scored his second Champions League goal of the season in as many games by opening the scoring on the cusp of half-time in Amsterdam.

After Ajax reduced arrears to 1-2 in the second half, Ronaldo scored twice in the last 11 minutes of the game to record his first of a record-equaling eight Champions League hat-tricks. Madrid won 4-1 on the night.

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#6 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Northern Ireland 1-4 Portugal

Ronaldo scored his first international hat-trick for Portugal in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

A second half Ronaldo treble at Northern Ireland returned Portugal to the top of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying, even as the hosts went out of contention.

Following goals by Bruno Alves and Gareth McAuley for their respective sides, a head butt by Helder Postiga reduced Portugal to 10 men. Jamie Ward capitalized on Northern Ireland's numerical superiority by giving the hosts the lead in the second period.

At the hour mark, Northern Ireland were also reduced to 10 men. That was the cue for Ronaldo to take over.

A pair of headers restored Portugal's lead. Seven minutes from time, the then Real Madrid striker scored a free-kick to rubber-stamp Portugal's win.

In the process, Ronaldo registered his first hat-trick for Portugal in his 106th game with the Iberian nation.

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#7 2014-15 Liga: Real Madrid 9-1 Granada

Ronaldo celebrates one of his 5 goals against Granada

After Gareth Bale opened the scoring for the home side midway through the first half, Ronaldo scored a fine long ranger to complete an 8-minute hat-trick and end the game as a contest.

But there would be no respite for the beleaguered visitors. In the second half, Ronaldo scored either side of a Karim Benzema brace before a header in the last minute of regulation time completed a blistering 9-1 home win.

In the process, Ronaldo scored 5 goals in a game for the first time in his professional career.