Cristiano Ronaldo expresses pleasure with his recent form for Real Madrid

This was also his third Champions League hat-trick, the only one ahead of him in this tally is none other than Ronaldo’s arch-rival, Lionel Messi.

Real, the record 10-times winners and 2014 champions, several times went close in the early stages with Bale nearly scoring with a clever flick through his legs from Dani Carvajal’s cross in the 13th minute.

Eight goals in two matches for Ronaldo and nine for his team as they bid to regain the Champions League, they could not have wished for a better start.

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.

Ronaldo said at the time: “I’m really happy here. Gareth had a similar issue previous year , so [we] must wait a while”.

After opening their Spanish La Liga campaign with a goalless draw against Sporting Gijon, Real have now scored 15 goals in three games and Ronaldo believes his side is reaching top form already.

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his first goal of three against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night in the Champions League.

Ronaldo had been tied on 77 goals with Messi prior to Tuesday with the pair’s long-running scoring tussle set to continue as Barcelona face Roma on Wednesday.

Centre backs Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos were also substituted with knocks and Benitez said the trio would have tests to determine the seriousness of the injuries.

“We’ll have to wait and talk with the doctors to see what happens”.

Benitez came in for criticism during pre-season when he refused to say the reigning Ballon d’Or holder was now the best player in the world just weeks after he took over at the Bernabeu.

“Training ahead of Real Madrid’s clash with Shakhtar Donetsk, Ronaldo had a quick, manly hug with Marcelo – presumably in celebration of a particularly skilful passing drill”.

His teammates have been the ones praising him recently.

I’m satisfied with not having conceded a goal and scored four.

“Bale had a spasm in his calf muscle”, said Madrid boss Rafael Benitez.