This trauma has already become part of the past for Cristiano Ronaldo, his hat-trick against Alaves was the reason why he got back a lost mojo he had been craving in the last few weeks. But in order to understand what Cristiano Ronaldo went through, you have to at least have the audacity to score as many goals as Ronaldo has done throughout his career. There is no better man to explain what Cris' problem is, than Hugo Sanchez.
Talking to AS, Hugo said: "Cristiano has the same hunger I had when I still played. He is satisfied when Real Madrid win, but he is only truly happy when Madrid win and he scores. Defenders are getting to know him and how he plays. They are marking him more closely than ever before.
"I don't know if that is the reason why he is now prowling in the area more often. But he is not a striker who feels as much at home in the area as he does when he starts from the left. It is complicated to play with your back towards goal. He does not have the characteristics of a real number nine. But he remains an extraordinary goalscorer. I would say it is clear he deserves the Ballon d'Or. He has had a spectacular year."
Photo credit: Real Madrid CF