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By Reuters - 13 hours ago
Cristiano Ronaldo's shooting power is unique, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said after Saturday's 7-1 La Liga rout of CeltaVigo included four goals in 26 second-half minutes from the Portugal striker.
Zidane added that Wales forward Gareth Bale, who scored on his comeback from injury, was ready for Tuesday's Champions League last-16 second leg against AS Roma.
"Cristiano is unique with his shot, only he has it," the former France playmaker told reporters after Ronaldo produced three dipping shots from distance and a header.
He has scored 352 goals in 335 games since joining Madrid from Manchester Unitedseven years ago.
"I could hit the ball well but from closer in. I don't know the feeling, few players have it,
"We discussed something during the break. In the first half there was an opponent playing, a good side that also had something to show. We came out really strongly in the second half, very switched on in attack and with more pressure. When you score a goal things are easier".
"I will take away Cristiano's performance. People whistling from time to time is a part of football, not only at Cristiano.
"The fans are demanding while also knowing the players well and wanting more from them. That is good in order to improve and do more. We always need to do more. You know about Cristiano, he is capable of scoring four goals, and few players can do that. Therefore he is unique".
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo kisses field delegate Agustin Herrerin as he hands him the match ball after their victory against Celta Vigo. - Reuters
"It's important to have scored ahead of the Champions League," added Zidane referring to Real's only realistic chance of a trophy this season after dropping well off Barcelona's pace in La Liga.
Zidane said substitute Bale, out since injuring his calf in mid-January, shone in the 25 minutes he was on the field.
"Bale looked good, he was happy to play after so long," he explained. "We'll see tomorrow and Monday for the match against Roma but I think he's ready."
Zidane was pleased with the response of his players to last weekend's 1-0 home defeat by Atletico Madrid, a result that virtually ended their hopes of winning the title.
Third-placed Real, who are nine points behind leaders Barca having played a game more, were whistled by fans during the first half on Saturday before Pepe opened the scoring in the 41st minute.
"They're a demanding crowd who want more from the players," Zidane said. "We talked at halftime ... we came out very strong in the second half, more tuned in and then when you score goals it all gets easier."
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