Madrid // Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as a unique talent after he scored four goals in 28 minutes in a 7-1 thrashing of Celta Vigo on Saturday.
Ronaldo had been jeered by a section of Madrid's famously demanding fan base early in the second-half, but responded in empathic fashion to move ahead of Telmo Zarra as La Liga's second highest goalscorer of all-time with 252 goals in just 228 games.
“You know Cristiano, he is capable of scoring four goals and there are very few people capable of doing that. That is why he is unique,” said Zidane.
“It is part of football that the fans whistle now and then.
“They are demanding fans, but at the same time they know their players well and always want more.
“That is good to help us improve and do more. Above all, I am left with his performance.”
Ronaldo had been under the spotlight after criticising his teammates as Real’s realistic title hopes ended with a 1-0 defeat at home to Atletico Madrid last weekend.
Read more: 'If we were all at my level, maybe we would be leaders' Cristiano Ronaldo says after Madrid derby
Victory cuts Barcelona’s lead over Real to nine points, but the European champions can reopen a 12-point advantage when they travel to Eibar on Sunday.
In Zidane’s six home games since taking charge in January, Madrid have now scored 27 times, despite failing to find the net against Atletico.
Pepe put the hosts in front towards the end of an uneventful first-half.
Ronaldo then took over with a stunning strike from 25 yards before curling home a brilliant free-kick for Madrid’s third.
Iago Aspas pulled a goal back for Celta before Ronaldo completed his hat-trick with a tap in from close range, then added his 39th goal of the season from Isco’s corner.
Substitute Jese Rogriguez smashed home the sixth at the end of a great solo run.
However, the other big news was the goalscoring return of Gareth Bale after six weeks out with a calf injury as he rounded off the hammering from the edge of the area.
And Zidane believes the Welsh star will be ready to start when Roma visit the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday trailing 2-0 from the first-leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
“He looked good. He is happy, above all just to play after such a long time out,” said Zidane.
“I am happy with how he played. We have to see tomorrow and Monday to prepare for Tuesday’s game, but I think he is ready (to start.)”
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FIXTURES
West Asia Premiership
Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Knights Eagles
Dubai Tigers v Bahrain
Jebel Ali Dragons v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Division 1
Dubai Sharks v Dubai Hurricanes II
Al Ain Amblers v Dubai Knights Eagles II
Dubai Tigers II v Abu Dhabi Saracens
Jebel Ali Dragons II v Abu Dhabi Harlequins II
Sharjah Wanderers v Dubai Exiles II
LAST SEASON
West Asia Premiership
Winners – Bahrain
Runners-up – Dubai Exiles
UAE Premiership
Winners – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners-up – Jebel Ali Dragons
Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners – Dubai Hurricanes
Runners-up – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Conference
Winners – Dubai Tigers
Runners-up – Al Ain Amblers
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Director: Jon Watts
Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon
Rating:*****
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Company name: Revibe
Started: 2022
Founders: Hamza Iraqui and Abdessamad Ben Zakour
Based: UAE
Industry: Refurbished electronics
Funds raised so far: $10m
Investors: Flat6Labs, Resonance and various others
COMPANY PROFILE
Company: Mascotte Health
Started: 2023
Based: Miami, US
Founder: Bora Hamamcioglu
Sector: Online veterinary service provider
Investment stage: $1.2 million raised in seed funding
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UAE results
Lost to Oman by eight runs
Beat Namibia by three wickets
Lost to Oman by 12 runs
Beat Namibia by 43 runs
UAE fixtures
Free admission. All fixtures broadcast live on icc.tv
Tuesday March 15, v PNG at Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Friday March 18, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium
Saturday March 19, v PNG at Dubai International Stadium
Monday March 21, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium
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Vara will cater to three categories of companies in Dubai (except the DIFC):
Category A: Minimum viable product (MVP) applicants that are currently in the process of securing an MVP licence: This is a three-stage process starting with [1] a provisional permit, graduating to [2] preparatory licence and concluding with [3] operational licence. Applicants that are already in the MVP process will be advised by Vara to either continue within the MVP framework or be transitioned to the full market product licensing process.
Category B: Existing legacy virtual asset service providers prior to February 7, 2023, which are required to come under Vara supervision. All operating service proviers in Dubai (excluding the DIFC) fall under Vara’s supervision.
Category C: New applicants seeking a Vara licence or existing applicants adding new activities. All applicants that do not fall under Category A or B can begin the application process through their current or prospective commercial licensor — the DET or Free Zone Authority — or directly through Vara in the instance that they have yet to determine the commercial operating zone in Dubai.
Day 3, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Just three balls remained in an exhausting day for Sri Lanka’s bowlers when they were afforded some belated cheer. Nuwan Pradeep, unrewarded in 15 overs to that point, let slip a seemingly innocuous delivery down the legside. Babar Azam feathered it behind, and Niroshan Dickwella dived to make a fine catch.
Stat of the day - 2.56 Shan Masood and Sami Aslam are the 16th opening partnership Pakistan have had in Tests in the past five years. That turnover at the top of the order – a new pair every 2.56 Test matches on average – is by far the fastest rate among the leading Test sides. Masood and Aslam put on 114 in their first alliance in Abu Dhabi.
The verdict Even by the normal standards of Test cricket in the UAE, this has been slow going. Pakistan’s run-rate of 2.38 per over is the lowest they have managed in a Test match in this country. With just 14 wickets having fallen in three days so far, it is difficult to see 26 dropping to bring about a result over the next two.
EMIRATES'S REVISED A350 DEPLOYMENT SCHEDULE
Edinburgh: November 4 (unchanged)
Bahrain: November 15 (from September 15); second daily service from January 1
Kuwait: November 15 (from September 16)
Mumbai: January 1 (from October 27)
Ahmedabad: January 1 (from October 27)
Colombo: January 2 (from January 1)
Muscat: March 1 (from December 1)
Lyon: March 1 (from December 1)
Bologna: March 1 (from December 1)
Source: Emirates
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Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
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Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
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Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
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Founder: Soniya Ashar
Based: Dubai
Industry: Food Technology
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