Real produced a commanding display on Saturday to record a 5-1 home win over Athletic Bilbao and remain third in the Liga table.

Arbeloa has spoken highly of the Portuguese striker Ronaldo, and dismissed rumours the former Manchester United man is dissatisfied with life at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"It is rare that he doesn't net in a game where we score five goals, but that does not matter,' Arbeloa was quoted as saying by AS. 'He saves goals for when we need them more than we did today.

"He has made it clear many times that he is happy here and that he is at the best club in the world, which is where a player like him has to be."

Arbeloa, who picked up a knock in October, also had a few words on his bid to reach full fitness.

"Slowly I'm feeling better so I'm happy with how things are going," he said.