Cristiano Ronaldo was worth watching as always on Tuesday night at the Bernabeu but for once his post-match television appearance was also not to be missed. He rarely gives post-match interviews these days. Last season after images were made public of him dancing at his own birthday party on the night Real Madrid had lost 4-0 to Atletico Madrid, he imposed a mini media-boycott which he said he would break at the end of the season. Real Madrid won nothing, Barcelona won everything and Ronaldo never broke his silence. His lips are still sealed in Spain but he was obliged to give interviews in English after Real Madrid’s 4-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk.Cristiano Ronaldo scored yet another hat-trick for Real Madrid on TuesdayPortugal forward also scored five against Espanyol in La Liga on SaturdayRonaldo is three goals shy of becoming Real's all-time record goalscorerRafa Benitez refused to proclaim Ronaldo is the best player in the world
Benitez's reticence, first over saying that Ronaldo was the best in the world (a standard response for any _ coach when asked) and then his reluctance to say he was the best he had coached comes in part from the desire at Madrid to prepare for Ronaldo’s eventual exit and promote Gareth Bale as his long-term successor.