'We have to stay positive, Ronaldo will be there in the crucial moments of the season'
Despite Cristiano Ronaldo's struggles in La Liga, the Portuguese star has been backed for success when it really matters by former teammate Xabi Alonso.
The striker has netted just one goal in eight league matches this season, with Zidane's side already sitting 10 points behind arch-rivals and leaders Barcelona.
Xabi Alonso has come out in support of the Portuguese star, believing he will step up when required: "I have no doubt that in the crucial moments of the season, Ronaldo will be there," the former Real midfielder said.
"He was amazing at the end of last season and when the team needed him he was decisive. He's as competitive and as motivated to be the best as he has always been."
"There's much time left for LaLiga to end and the standings can change really fast," Alonso said. Barcelona look unstoppable this season, winning 11 games out of 12 and scoring 33 goals in La Liga.
"Right now, it's true that the distance between Barca and Real Madrid is big but Barca has difficult games ahead," Alonso said. "They have to come to [the Santiago] Bernabeu and everything can change really fast."
"We have to stay positive, the team is really good and everything can happen," he concluded.