The video will start in 8 Cancel

Don't wait 30 years - sign up for our daily football email newsletter today! Sign up Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Real Madrid's talisman refusal to celebrate his equaliser and left spectators perplexed as to his motives.

As opposed to the usual outburst of emotion you would expect from an El Clasico goal, there was just a short hug with Gareth Bale before walking back to his own half.

Many assumed the lack of joy was because Ronaldo had been injured by Gerard Pique's challenge as he tapped home Karim Benzema's cross.

But the real reason was to do with his former mentor and manager Sir Alex Ferguson laying in hospital.

The legendary ex-Manchester United boss had suffered a brain haemorrhage on Saturday and was in intensive care.

Ronaldo was substituted at half-time before the game finished 2-2, with Gareth Bale's stunning strike rescuing a point for Los Blancos.

But Ronaldo clearly had other things on his mind, namely the condition of the man who signed him for the Red Devils for £12m in 2003.

When asked why he did not celebrate his goal as usual, he responded: "How could I cheer if the man who taught me how to play football is fighting for his life in the hospital?"

Ferguson is now reportedly awake and talking in hospital, his condition greatly improved from two days ago.

(Image: GETTY) (Image: GETTY)

Sir Alex, who won a record 13 Premier League titles with Manchester United, was said last night to be “doing well” in Salford Royal Hospital.

A source said: “The prognosis is good and his closest friends in football are being kept abreast of any developments.”

The ankle injury Ronaldo suffered while scoring his 43rd goal of the season is unlikely to keep him out of the Champions League final against Liverpool.