Several members of Real Madrid’s squad have jumped to Cristiano Ronaldo’s defence after he was booed during his side’s 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night.

Ronaldo has now failed to score in four straight matches at the Santiago Bernabeu, a first for him since his move to Real from Manchester United in 2009.

Sunday’s win sent Zinedine Zidane’s side to the top of the La Liga table but Ronaldo was heavily criticised by the club’s home support.

He looked frustrated after missing a chance in the 94th minute and his team-mates have now spoken out.

Striker Alvaro Morata told the club’s official website: “When you’re used to scoring almost 70 goals a season, it’s almost like an addiction for goals.

“For us he is the most important player in the team and I hope that he scores lots of goals, but he is not a machine.

He is a human being, even if he comes from another planet and is different, he also has the right to miss.”

The Portugal international has scored four goals in eight appearances in all competitions so far this season and Wales star Gareth Bale and left-back Marcelo have both tipped him to silence the doubters.

Club president Florentino Perez also offered his support during the club’s annual general meeting on Sunday evening.

He said: “He is one of the great legends of Real Madrid and one of the greatest in the history of football.

“He was again the top scorer in the Champions League with 16 goals, after collecting his fourth Golden Boot last season, becoming the only player in the world who has won four Golden Boots.

“Cristiano is already the top scorer in the history of Real Madrid with a record that will be very hard to beat.”