Real want to keep riding title wave, says Ronaldo

MADRID, Nov 19 (AFP): Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping a combination of his and Real Madrid's impressive form can help maintain their quest of bringing silverware back to the Santiago Bernabeu despite a challenging pre-Christmas fixtures list. Jose Mourinho's Real side are on a ten-game winning streak in all competitions which, in the Primera Liga, has given them a three-point cushion over arch rivals Barcelona, the European champions who are bidding for a fourth consecutive La Liga title. Real's championship credentials should be tested during a tough run-up to Christmas, starting with a trip to Valencia this weekend and including games against Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. But while Valencia are back on track following four straight wins, Real's ambition to aim for three titles this season has been boosted by seeing a minor but significant stumble on the part of Pep Guardiola's Barcelona. The Catalans were lucky to draw 2-2 with Athletic Bilbao in their last game before the international break, suggesting they may have lost their air of invincibility. Ronaldo has scored five goals in his previous two games for Real as well as a further two in his last match for Portugal, and is loving being on top of the league. "It is good to be ahead of Barcelona, it's a big motivation for us," said the Portuguese striker. Real are already through to the last 16 of the Champions League after winning four of their six group games so far, and they are still in contention for the King's (Spanish) Cup.