Zimpapers Logo

Cristiano Ronaldo

MADRID. — World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo claimed Real Madrid fans should get off coach Rafael Benitez’s back after a record equalling 8-0 mauling of Malmo in the Champions League.

Ronaldo set a new record for goals scored in the Champions League group stage by hitting four against the Swedish champions on Tuesday night to take his tally in this season’s competition to 11.

Madrid have now won five consecutive games since being embarrassed 4-0 at home by eternal rivals Barcelona last month, but many of the home fans still booed Benitez at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Benitez was also in charge of Liverpool when they beat Besiktas 8-0 to set the benchmark for the biggest margin of victory in a Champions League game.

And Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer came out in defence of his coach.

“I don’t see the problem,” said Ronaldo.

“The fans express themselves as they want but the boss is doing a good job, he is adapting to Real Madrid and I think we have to give him time because in my opinion he is doing things well.”

Ronaldo also put Madrid fans at ease by distancing himself from rumours linking him with a sensational transfer to Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.

His 11 Champions League goals have come in just four games against Shakhtar Donetsk and Malmo as he failed to find the net in two matches against PSG. After Madrid’s 1-0 win at home to the French champions, Ronaldo was captured embracing both PSG coach Laurent Blanc and president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, but he insists he is happy in the Spanish capital.

“It is speculation that happens every year. I think people are used to this always surrounding Cristiano, but I am calm.

“I am happy at a club that has helped me a huge amount since I arrived here.”

On an ideal night for Madrid, troubled French striker Karim Benzema also registered his first hat-trick in five years. Benzema will learn today if he is to be suspended from the French national team due to his alleged involvement in a blackmail scandal involving a sex tape of international teammate Mathieu Valbuena.

In contrast to the hostile reception he has received in his homeland, Benzema has been categorically supported by Madrid and he has repaid that faith with five goals in his last two games. — AFP.