La Liga: Four-goal Cristiano Ronaldo is unique, says Zinedine Zidane

Madrid: Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as a unique talent after he scored four goals in a 7-1 thrashing of Celta Vigo on Saturday. Ronaldo had been jeered by a section of Madrid's famously demanding fan base early in the second-half, but responded in empathic fashion to move ahead of Telmo Zarra as La Liga's second highest goalscorer of all-time with 252 goals in just 228 games.

Cristiano Ronaldo. Pic/ AFP

"You know Cristiano, he is capable of scoring four goals and there are very few people capable of doing that. That is why he is unique," said Zidane. "It is part of football that the fans whistle now and then. They are demanding fans, but at the same time they know their players well and always want more. That is good to help us improve and do more. Above all, I am left with his performance."

Ronaldo had been under the spotlight after criticising his teammates as Real's realistic title hopes ended with a 1-0 defeat at home to Atletico Madrid last weekend.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane

In Zidane's six home games since taking charge in January, Madrid have now scored 27 times, despite failing to find the net against Atletico.