Ronaldo keeps Real Madrid in title hunt

Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick has helped Real Madrid win a 4-1 victory over European hopefuls Real Mallorca to keep the Spanish giants' title hopes alive.

Ronaldo, the world's most expensive player, netted his first goal, canceling out Aritz Aduriz's 16th-minute header 10 minutes later at Ono stadium in Palma de Mallorca on Wednesday night.

The Portuguese forward put his side ahead in the 56th minute of the game and then completed his treble with 18 minutes by slotting a low right-foot shot past Mallorca goalkeeper Dudu Aouate.

"I have to thank my team-mates for helping me to settle and score so many goals," said Ronaldo. "There was a bit of pressure with Barcelona winning but we scored three in the second half to win the match.”

"We hope Barcelona drop points at Sevilla and all we can do is beat (Athletic) Bilbao at home. We hope and really want to be champions," he added.

Striker Gonzalo Higuain then made it 4-1 for Real Madrid 10 minutes later with a superb deft chip over the keeper to ensure La Liga title race goes down to the wire.

"He (Ronaldo) is a fundamental figure for Real Madrid. His spirit is contagious for the players," said Real Madrid's Chilean boss Manuel Pellegrini. "At present Real Madrid is the spirit of Ronaldo."

The Portuguese soccer ace was also praised by Real Madrid director general Jorge Valdano for his great performance.

"He's extraordinary. He has played his most important game of the season, he rescued us," Valdano told Spanish television after the game.

"(But) it isn't right to talk about dependency on him. In the two months when he wasn't with us the team were capable of making themselves leaders," he concluded.

Source: PressTV.
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