Marcelo: Ronaldo hat-trick triggered by anger over recent form

Real Madrid defender Marcelo thinks Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick against Alaves on Saturday was fuelled by anger.

Before his hat-trick lifted Real to a 4-1 victory, Ronaldo had only managed to find the back of the net two times in six matches - an unusually long drought considering his scoring prowess.

After the match, Marcelo speculated that his Portuguese teammate was fed up with his lack of production.

"Cristiano is fine," Marcelo insisted, according to the BBC. "Perhaps he was a bit angry before because forwards live to score goals," said the left-back, who was captain on Saturday.

"He's happy with the goals but more so with the three points."

Related: - Watch: Ronaldo breaks out of slump with hat-trick vs. Alaves

The goals brought his La Liga total to five in seven matches, and helped Real maintain its position atop the table.