By Julien Pretot
MARSEILLE, France, Dec 9 - Cristiano Ronaldo
demonstrated he was back to his brilliant best for Real Madrid,
scoring twice in Tuesday's 3-1 win at Olympique Marseille.
The Portuguese forward, who returned earlier this month
following two months out with an ankle problem, tormented the
Marseille defence throughout, netting a clinical double.
"Cristiano Ronaldo was the best player on the pitch," the
Marseille-born Zinedine Zidane, now an adviser to Real
president Florentino Perez, told reporters.
Ronaldo, sent off for Real at the weekend, put the Spanish
side in front after only five minutes, firing a fine 30-metre
free kick into Steve Mandanda's top corner.
He wrapped up the win with 10 minutes left after pinching
the ball from the Marseille keeper before coolly slotting home.
"We know he is a great player and a great professional,"
Real coach Manuel Pellegrini told reporters.
"I had already said he would not be affected by his sending
off last weekend in La Liga. He has this capacity to spring
from everywhere and score."
Ronaldo had an odd weekend as he missed a penalty, scored a
goal, set up another and picked a red card for a second
bookable offence in a 4-2 defeat of Almeria on Saturday.
The former Manchester United player was unstoppable at the
Stade Velodrome, twisting Marseille defenders inside-out on
both flanks with his acceleration and some exquisite turns.
"I feel better and better and not only because I score
goals. I feel better in the game. Everything is fine," said
Ronaldo, who is suspended for this weekend's clash with
Valencia in La Liga.
"This match will do him good mentally," said Pellegrini.
"Too bad he will not be there for the Valence game."
(Editing by Alastair Himmer; To query or comment on this
story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)