Cristiano Ronaldo is the 'soul' of Real Madrid and 'in better shape than ever', says breakthrough boy Dani Ceballos

Dani Ceballos hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as the 'soul' of Real Madrid after the evergreen 32-year-old's performance in Wednesday's 3-0 win over APOEL.

Ronaldo has been the outright top scorer in four of the last five Champions League editions, while he shared the prize with Lionel Messi and Neymar in 2014-15.

The Portuguese legend started his latest bid for European club glory by netting twice against the champions of Cyprus, after which team-mate Ceballos sung his praises.

Ceballos, who made his Champions League debut in the one-sided encounter, told his club's official website: 'With Cristiano on the field we're always more comfortable and he gives us the confidence that turns in to goals.

'He's the soul of the team, he's fundamental for us and he's in better shape than ever.

'He's had a great game and his ambition makes him the best in the world'.

Ronaldo relentlessly threatened APOEL's defence at the Bernabeu, registering nine shots - five more than the away team managed between them.

He opened the scoring on 12 minutes, before doubling his tally from the penalty spot early in the second half.

The crossbar denied him a hat-trick but Sergio Ramos ensured Real won by a three-goal margin.

It was Ronaldo's first appearance in a month due to a five-game domestic suspension for being sent off in the Spanish Super Cup and then pushing a referee.

He will remain banned for Sunday's trip to Sociedad but is available to face Real Betis three days later.

Ceballos made a quiet yet assured European debut after coming on as a sub in the 72nd minute.

The 21-year-old Spanish midfielder touched the ball 26 times and played 21 passes, all of which found a team-mate as Real controlled final stages in relaxed fashion.