Gareth Bale and Raphael Varane were also forced off with injuries as Madrid swept aside the Ukrainians in their opening Champions League group game.
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Only last weekend pundits in Spain and elsewhere were questioning Ronaldo’s form after he started the season without a goal in four games for club or country.
“They had a man sent off and I think maybe because they were down to ten men it was a slightly exaggerated result given what happened in the game, especially in the first-half”.
“I am very happy, I thank the players and the confidence they gave me”. “We know how important he is for the team”.
“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 coach Rafael Benitez initially said the injury was “just a knock” following the game, but it appears that the injury is more serious than expected.
Ronaldo, who hit five past Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday, completed his hat-trick in the 81st minute when he followed up a Marcelo shot and headed into the net to take his Champions League tally to 80.
When asked about Ronaldo, Benitez told the Spanish press: “What surprises me is that the media beat around the bush about what is said rather than what is done on the pitch”. One of the best that I have coached, of course.
“But this is not my goal”.
Ronaldo also holds the record for most goals in a Champions League campaign (17 in 2013/14). “I get a sense of pride from being in this position, but I have to mention the team, because the team has helped me so much”.
Cristiano Ronaldo struck a hat trick against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.
The Real manager said: “Bale has had a spasm in his calf”.
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The Welsh global, who joined the Spanish giants for a club record fee from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in 2013, was heavily criticised following a string of disappointing performances last season when they failed to win even a single trophy. One of the greatest players in the world has proved that he is still capable of producing truly golden moments as he become Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer in La Liga.
