Cristiano Ronaldo was in sublime form for Real Madrid as their began their Champions League campaign with a fantastic 4-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Portuguese forward scored a hattrick to take him three goals clear of Lionel Messi in the race for the Champions League all-time highest goal scorer.
Real have now scored 15 goals in the last three games with Ronaldo scoring eight but the player was quick to shift attention to how well the team was playing.
“We are in good form, we must highlight the work of the team,” he told reporters.
“We are consistent in defence, we did a good job. 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.
“We know that pre-season is less important, we know that we have to start the Liga and the Champions League well.
“We started a little bad in La Liga with a draw but we’ve been fine since, more consistent and we’re on a roll.
“I am very happy, I thank the players and the confidence they gave me.”
Ronaldo also revealed his delight at passing Messi in the goalscoring charts, having previously been level with the Barcelona star on 77 goals.
“I knew this [record] would come, naturally and without pressure,” he told BT Sport.
“It’s good of course, I won’t lie, I feel so proud and happy but this is not my goal – my goal is to be good all season and help the team win, which is the most important, and to win collective trophies.
“I hope my goals help the team win but I feel confidence, I feel good and I want to carry on like that.”
