Ronaldo struck after 15, 27, 47 and 55 minutes - the final goal from the penalty spot - to make it nine in the last four Primera Division and Champions League matches for the in-form Portugal international.

The world's most expensive player, who has a strike rate of almost one goal a game since joining Madrid from Manchester United in the summer of 2009, spoke of his delight following tonight's match but was also keen to praise his companions as well.

"I don't think I've ever scored four goals in a game before, I'm very happy with that," he said.

"I try to do the best job I can, but my team-mates have given me the ball to score from. We also need to congratulate them. Playing for Madrid I'm provided with many good chances, like today. We need to congratulate them more than me. The goals were simple. They gave me the ball. I'm very happy."

Ronaldo's quartet of strikes were sandwiched by efforts from Gonzalo Higuain (10 minutes) and Mesut Ozil (63) as Madrid took their tally to 16 goals in the last three league games - having earlier in the season been criticised for a lack of goals.

The victory ensures Madrid, who have now won nine of their 11 competitive games under Jose Mourinho and drawn the other two, remain top of La Liga.

Ronaldo warned it is still early days though, saying in AS: "We need to continue fighting, there is still a lot of the season left and we need to continue improving."

Ronaldo also insisted his side need to focus on themselves rather than on arch-rivals Barcelona, who have yet to hit top form this season but nevertheless are just a point behind the capital club.

"There's no need to think of the others, we need to think of us. To continue as we have been doing, playing well and scoring a lot of goals. We don't have to be concerned with Barcelona," Ronaldo added.