Four-goal Ronaldo shares glory

Ronaldo struck after 15, 27, 47 and 55 minutes - the final goal from the penalty spot - to make it nine in the last four Primera Division and UEFA Champions League matches for the in-form Portugal international.

The world's most expensive player, who has a strike rate of almost one goal a game since joining Madrid from Manchester United in the northern summer of 2009, spoke of his delight following the match but was also keen to praise his companions as well.

"I don't think I've ever scored four goals in a game before, I'm very happy with that," he said.

"I try to do the best job I can, but my team-mates have given me the ball to score from. We also need to congratulate them. Playing for Madrid I'm provided with many good chances, like today. We need to congratulate them more than me. The goals were simple. They gave me the ball. I'm very happy."

Ronaldo's quartet of strikes were sandwiched by efforts from Gonzalo Higuain (10 minutes) and Mesut Ozil (63) as Madrid took its tally to 16 goals in the last three league games - having earlier in the season been criticised for a lack of goals.

The victory ensures Madrid, which has now won nine of its 11 competitive games under Jose Mourinho and drawn the other two, remains top of La Liga.

Ronaldo warned it is still early days though, saying in AS: "We need to continue fighting, there is still a lot of the season left and we need to continue improving."

Ronaldo also insisted his side needs to focus on itself rather than on arch-rival Barcelona, which has yet to hit top form this season but nevertheless is just a point behind the capital club.

"There's no need to think of the others, we need to think of us. To continue as we have been doing, playing well and scoring a lot of goals. We don't have to be concerned with Barcelona," Ronaldo added.