Marcelo pays tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo after Alaves hat-trick

The Brazilian defender said his team-mate derives more pleasure from the Merengue's success than his own goalscoring exploits after smashing a hat-trick against Alaves

Real Madrid defender Marcelo insisted team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo was more happy about his side’s win than getting back amongst the goals on Saturday.

Ronaldo scored a hat-trick as Real came from behind to beat Alaves 4-1 – his first goals for three games.

The win moves Los Merengues three points clear at the top of La Liga and left-back Marcelo was quick to pay tribute to Ronaldo after the game.

"Cristiano Ronaldo lives for goals,” he stated. “Today he is happy, but it is more for the three points than for his goals.”

Real fell behind after just seven minutes against their Basque rivals, but were leading by half-time as Ronaldo converted a penalty and then added a second with the aid of a deflection.

The Portugal international missed a second penalty 11 minutes from time, but did complete the 43rd hat-trick of his career when he notched his side’s fourth after another effort from Alvaro Morata.