Given the quality of Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance against Atletico Madrid, it’s probably only right that the legitimacy of the display was verified.
The Portugal international striker added to his record haul of Champions League goals by grabbing a hat-trick against his side’s near neighbours as they put one foot in the final thanks to a 3-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Madrid were in rampant mood thanks to Ronaldo, who headed the opener before the break before finishing powerfully in the second half. His third was a close-range finish late on that completed the tie.
And Sergio Ramos confirmed after the match that authorities had held the attacker back for a routine random drugs test.
“He had to undergo a doping test, so we couldn’t see him,” the club captain announced to the media.
“Obviously when Cristiano is in good form, Real Madrid make the most out of it.
“I want to congratulate him because he is unique.
“When he is playing well, Real Madrid are a different team.”
Ronaldo, the current Ballon d’Or holder, now has 103 goals in Europe’s top club competition to his name, while Madrid are bidding to become the first team in the Champions League era to retain the trophy as they seek a twelfth title.