Arbeloa plays down Ronaldo's reaction to goal: 'Cristiano's behaviour didn't bother me'

Nothing to see here, folks.

Claims of selfishness arose Thursday when Cristiano Ronaldo kicked the ball into the back of the net and shook his head after Alvaro Arbeloa scored the third goal of Real Madrid's 3-0 win versus UD Almeria.

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez sent a cross into the box in the match's final moments that Arbeloa slotted home. Meanwhile Ronaldo, who was waiting near the back post, ran into an empty net.

Although this isn't the first time Ronaldo has been criticised for displaying apparent frustration at being denied of a goal, Arbeloa downplayed the drama after the final whistle, saying he understands that his teammate is in a goal-scoring race with Lionel Messi.

"Cristiano's behaviour didn't bother me," Arbeloa said, according to Spanish daily Marca. "He's just hungry to score. His battle with Messi to be top scorer is heating up."

Ronaldo was likely also frustrated after Real Madrid's second goal, which initially appeared to have been scored by the Portuguese superstar, was declared an own goal by Mauro dos Santos.