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Cristiano Ronaldo raising hopes of rare treble

Cristiano Ronaldo’s scintillating form and the supporting role played by the likes of Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema suggest Real Madrid have every right to believe a rare treble is well within their grasp.

Barcelona became the only Spanish team to win the Champions League and the domestic league and Cup in the same season in 2009 and La Liga leaders Real are in a strong position to match their arch-rivals after Ronaldo’s goals helped them put together a 31-match unbeaten run since the end of October.

The Portugal forward has scored 41 in 37 appearances for the world’s richest club this term.

His double in Tuesday’s 3-1 win against Schalke 04, as Real secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a club record 9-2 aggregate success, took his tally in the latest edition of Europe’s elite club competition to 13.

His opening goal in the 21^st minute showcased his ability to time his runs to perfection as he sprinted into the area and clipped a Bale centre into the net.

His second 17 minutes from time was classic Ronaldo as he collected the ball near the halfway line and charged past the helpless Schalke players before smashing a low shot into the bottom corner.

“Ronaldo didn’t become World Player of the Year for nothing,” Schalke coach Jens Keller told a news conference. “His qualities are outstanding.”

With 13 goals in seven games, the 29-year-old former Manchester United player, who also scored twice in the 6-1 win at Schalke in their round of 16, first leg, has surpassed his best Champions League haul and is one short of the record of 14 set by Barca forward Lionel Messi in 2011-12.

“Cristiano is the best in the world,” Real midfielder Casemiro, who had a rare chance to impress on Tuesday with his team virtually assured of going through, told reporters. “He is a one-man show and an example for everyone,” the 22-year-old added. “I learn a lot from him and he is an incredible player.”