Cristiano Ronaldo continues to face questions regarding his form despite remaining a talismanic presence for club and country
Critics of Ronaldo have been branded envious by his Real Madrid team-mate Marcelo in the aftermath of his star showing against Bayern Munich on Wednesday. The current holder of the Ballon d’Or, who enjoyed a remarkable 2016 even by his own high standards, has faced questions this season regarding his form and commitment. He has, however, still netted 28 times in 37 appearances, with a match-winning brace against Bayern allowing Champions League holders Madrid to establish a first-leg lead in their quarter-final clash. Brazilian full-back Marcelo told reporters after that tie on Ronaldo’s detractors: "I think they have a problem, maybe it's envy. "I don't know what's wrong with them, he works hard and helps his team. "It must be envy, you only have to look at this numbers and he still keeps on producing. "He's happy to have scored, however, he's even happier about the result." Madrid’s cause at the Allianz Arena was aided by the dismissal of Javi Martinez for the hosts, with Marcelo conceding that Zinedine Zidane’s side sought to make the most of their numerical advantage. He added: "We made the most of it. "We put in a great performance, however, we also let in a goal."