Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo has highlighted the importance of Wednesday’s 4-1 victory against Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon, believing it was a vital step towards claiming the Primera Division title.

The Portugal international grabbed a hat trick before Jose Callejon helped to make the result even more expressive with a goal of his own. Radamel Falcao had earlier drawn Atleti briefly level.

Victory allows Madrid to maintain the four-point gap between itself and Barcelona at the top of the table, and Ronaldo believes that his side has taken an important step towards winning the tournament.

“There is a lot left, but winning La Liga has got closer now,” Ronaldo told reporters.

“There was pressure on us because we knew Barcelona had won their match. We are still four points clear.”

Ronaldo then expressed his happiness to have taken his league tally to 40 goals following Wednesday’s hat trick.

“I am very happy to have scored and picked up an assist,” he noted. “We have to continue like this.

“I am very happy, but without my teammates I could not have done it.

“We knew this was going to be a tough match, but we gave a good account of ourselves against a very strong Atletico side.”

Los Blancos will host Sporting de Gijon on Saturday in its upcoming La Liga fixture.