Cristiano Ronaldo’s team-mates have leapt to his defence after his barren run in front of goal continued in Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

The 31-year-old has failed to score in four straight games at the Santiago Bernabeu, a first in his Real career since joining from Manchester United in 2009.

He was even jeered during Sunday’s win over Athletic, despite the result sending Zinedine Zidane’s side to the top of the table.

The criticism persuaded several Real players to offer their support for UEFA’s player of the Year, who was also named on Monday along with Gareth Bale on the shortlist for the 2016 Ballon d’Or for the world’s best player.

Spain forward Alvaro Morata, who came off the bench to score the winner against Athletic, told Real’s website:

“When you’re used to scoring almost 70 goals a season, it’s almost like an addiction for goals.
Real Madrid fans were unforgiving when Cristiano Ronaldo missed a chance late on in the game against Athletic Bilbao
“For us he is the most important player in the team and I hope that he scores lots of goals, but he is not a machine. He is a human being, even if he comes from another planet and is different, he also has the right to miss”.
Ronaldo has scored only four goals in eight appearances in all competitions for Real this season, but Bale played down his struggles.

“Cristiano works hard to keep scoring goals, but the important thing is the team and I’m sure he’s happy to be top,” he said.

Brazilian defender Marcelo said he is contributing in other ways: “Of course he wants to score and is a player who helps a lot and not only with goals, also with his work on the pitch.”


Alvaro Morata scored the winner for Real Madrid
Real president Florentino Perez is unwavering in his support for his star player.

Perez said of Ronaldo during the club’s annual general meeting on Sunday:

“He is one of the great legends of Real Madrid and one of the greatest in the history of football.
“He was again the top scorer in the Champions League with 16 goals, after collecting his fourth Golden Boot last season, becoming the only player in the world who has won four Golden Boots.
“Cristiano is already the top scorer in the history of Real Madrid with a record that will be very hard to beat.”

Source
http://www.sportztrendz.com/2016/10/25/eal-madrids-cristiano-ronaldo-backed-by-gareth-bale-and-alvaro-morata/