Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that it does not matter if Cristiano Ronaldo scores or not as his side went clear at the top of La Liga on Saturday evening.
The Portuguese forward failed to score in the mid-week victory over Liverpool and was looking increasingly likely to draw another blank until the 83rd minuted against weekend opponents Rayo Vallecano.
Ronaldo’s record for Madrid speaks for itself but many media men and reports across Spain were beginning to question his desire.
“I have not seen an anxious Ronaldo,” Ancelotti said. “He has played with his team-mates and he’s always done well. He enjoyed the game today and it’s not a problem if he doesn’t score in a certain game.”
Meanwhile, the Italian boss was heavy with his praise to German international Toni Kross.
He said: “Kroos was the best player of the game and he even scored his first goal. I’m surprised because he’s been playing at a huge level. He is free to attack. When he goes up, Modric stays. They are great together and are playing fantastic.”