Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick boosts Real Madrid's 6-1 win over Galatasaray

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has become the fourth-highest scorer in Champions League history with 53 goals with his hat-trick during his side's Group B clash with Turkish side Galatasaray, whom Real beat 6-1.

The Portuguese is the fourth highest scorer in the European stage after Spaniard Raul, who scored 71 goals, Barcelona star Lionel Messi with 59 goals and retired Dutch player Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has scored 56 goals.

According to the BBC, Ronaldo was helped while scoring one of his goals by his new teammate Gareth Bale, who delivered a free-kick that eventually landed at the feet of Ronaldo, who tapped in for 4-0.

Stating that the match start had given them confidence, Ronaldo said that despite the result, they had to play a difficult game as they were facing a very complicated opponent, who had their best chances in the first few minutes of the game.

Bale, who came on in the 64th minute having made his club debut at the weekend, further said that the main reason why he joined Madrid is because he wanted to play in the biggest competition, adding that it felt great to have a win and get off to good start.

In the other Group B match, Juventus came from behind to draw 1-1 at FC Copenhagen, while defending champions Bayern Munich eased to a 3-0 win over CSKA Moscow in Group D, the report added.