Real Madrid news: Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane DEFENDED by Xabi Alonso

Real have massively under-performed this season as they trail league-leaders Barcelona by 10 points.

Ronaldo has been uninspiring and has only netted one La Liga goal in eight games, compared to his arch-rival Lionel Messi’s 12 strikes.

However, he has been back to rediscover his best form by former midfielder Alonso.

The Spaniard won the league and Champions League title during his five-year spell at the Bernabeu, and he believes the forward’s current drought will come come to an end soon.

“I have no doubt that in the crucial moments of the season, Ronaldo will be there,” Alonso said.

“He was amazing at the end of last season and when the team needed him he was decisive.

“He’s as competitive and as motivated to be the best as he has always been.”

There have also been calls for manager Zidane to be axed after falling way behind Barcelona.

The claims come despite the Frenchman winning five trophies last season.

And Alonso has moved to defend Zidane – insisting things will come good with time.

“There’s much time left for LaLiga to end and the standings can change really fast,” Alonso added.

“Right now, it’s true that the distance between Barca and Real Madrid is big but Barca has difficult games ahead.

“They have to come to [the Santiago] Bernabeu and everything can change really fast.

“We have to stay positive, the team is really good and everything can happen.”