Zinedine Zidane: 'Cristiano Ronaldo answered critics'

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese scored a hat-trick in Los Blancos' 4-1 win over Alaves on Saturday afternoon.

Ronaldo entered the La Liga match having only scored twice in six league games this season, but the forward netted three times in the Basque County as he returned to form in style.

Zidane has insisted that Ronaldo 'answered his critics' with the treble and hailed the 31-year-old's all-round game, which helped Los Blancos consolidate first position in the table.

"Criticism of Ronaldo? I don't have to say anything, he did his talking on the pitch. He scored three goals and he's very happy, not only for his goals but also because he was very good in all aspects of the game. With work, you always get what you want," Zidane told reporters.

Ronaldo, who is believed to be close to signing a new long-term deal at the Bernabeu, is Real Madrid's all-time leading scorer on 371 goals.