Record-breaker Cristiano Ronaldo insists he has his new team-mates to thank for the dream start he has made to life at Real Madrid.
The Portugal international goes into Saturday's Primera Division encounter with Tenerife at the Santiago Bernabeu seeking to extend the goalscoring record which has seen him become an instant hit in the Spanish capital.
Ronaldo's stunning opener in the midweek 2-0 win at Villarreal made him the first ever player to net in each of his opening four league matches for Madrid, but the former Manchester United winger is keen to deflect the accolades onto those around him.
"The team always comes first," Ronaldo told Telecinco. "I scored against Villarreal, and scoring increases confidence, but the three points were the main priority.
"Thank God things are going well, and it is all due to my team-mates. They are helping me a lot.
"I knew things would go well. I just needed to be patient and stick to the same plan I had in Manchester.
"I am happy in Madrid. I am adjusting little by little. I wanted to come here for some time and the club helped me make it a reality."
The 24-year-old has been the keystone of a bright opening to the new La Liga campaign that has seen Madrid win each of their opening four games.
Their record at this early stage of the season is, rather predictably, bettered only by reigning champions Barcelona, and Ronaldo believes the two titans of Spanish football are set for an epic tussle this season.
"Barca is a great team and a solid squad," he said. "We are going to go head to head all season long, so we'll see who comes out on top."
Madrid thrashed promoted side Xerez 5-0 at the Bernabeu last weekend and coach Manuel Pellegrini's men are at home to another promoted outfit in Tenerife this weekend.
Xabi Alonso could return from injury after missing the last two matches, while Pepe is finally available again after his 10-game suspension for violent conduct against Getafe last season.
Ezequiel Garay, Alvaro Arbeloa and Christoph Metzelder are all doubts, while Ruud Van Nistelrooy is definitely out.
The Holland striker scored on his return against Xerez but picked up another injury in that match and will be out for at least a month.
Tenerife have had a decent return to the top flight but little will be expected of the Canary Islanders in Saturday's game.
Jose Luis Oltra's side have lost both of their away games this season but have secured two victories at home to sit comfortably in the top half of the table after four rounds of the championship.
While the odds are stacked against his side, Oltra at least hopes his side make the hosts sweat for their victory.
"If Madrid beat us, I hope we at least have made them work for it," he said.
Ricardo Leon is sidelined for a month and will miss Saturday's game but Oltra should otherwise have a near full-strength squad available.
Source: www.sportinglife.com
