While Ramos was in agony, Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show after scoring his third Champions League hat-trick.
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“The League started a little badly with a draw but we’ve been good since then, more consistent and we’re in a good phase”. Real Madrid head coach Rafael Benitez piled the praise on star striker Ronaldo after the Portuguese football team captain became his club’s all-time top scorer in the La Liga after scoring five goals against a hapless Espanyol in last match. It was also Ronaldo’s 32nd hat-trick drawing him level with Leo Messi for trebles in Spain.
“I knew this [record] would come, naturally and without pressure”, he told BT Sport.
“I am going to repeat it so that there are no remaining doubts”.
Bale moved to the Spanish capital in the summer of 2013 and during his first year with Los Blancos, he scored goals in the finals of the Champions League and Copa del Rey.
“But this is not my goal. Shakhtar played well, they’re a team with a lot of possession but today was the day for Real Madrid to win and play well”, Ronaldo was quoted as saying by goal.com on Tuesday.
Shakhtar Donetsk are the 29th opponents Ronaldo has bagged against in the Champions League.
“I’m content. It’s an honour to be in this position. I’m very happy. I’m thankful to the players for the confidence they have given me”.
But at least for this season, Cristiano Ronaldo has sent out a strong early warning signal.
“Many good players get injured, but there is a deep enough squad to fill these places”.
But he is more content now he is playing centrally, having scored twice and added three assists this season. After Real struggled without James past year, it will be up to Isco to prevent a similar result for Madrid.
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Last season was a tough one for Gareth Bale, as the Wels global was often criticized for his performances on the pitch and the inability to make a serious impact in most of his matches.
