It was David Beckham’s 42nd birthday on Tuesday - and the man who replaced him as Manchester United’s No. 7 back in 2003, Cristiano Ronaldo, treated him by scoring a hat-trick for Real Madrid against Atletico.Beckham is a United fan first and foremost, but the retired winger does have more than a soft spot for Los Blancos after spending four years at the Bernabeu during the mid-2000s.So, it’ll come as no surprise to hear that Beckham was rooting for Madrid in their Champions League semi-final first leg.Before the match, Beckham posted a photo of his TV displaying the banners held up at the Bernabeu prior to kick-off to his Instagram story alongside the caption: ‘Hala Madrid’.Rather than going out to celebrate his latest birthday, D-Beck was sat at home in front of the tele with his feet up. And why not?It proved an excellent decision as Madrid demolished their local rivals to leave themselves with one foot in the Champions League final.

Beckham hailed Ronaldo during the match

Ronaldo was the hero of the night and Beckham summed up the Portuguese superstar in three words: “Big game player”.

It’s hard to argue with that assessment.

Beckham delighted with Madrid's 3-0 win

Following the final whistle, Beckham posted another photo to his Instagram story. This time it was of Sergio Ramos celebrating alongside the caption: “Not over yet but HUGE win.”

It probably is over now, Dave.

Beckham leaves comment during Madrid press conference

And during Zidane’s post-match press conference, broadcast live on Instagram, Beckham left a comment along with thousands of other Madrid fans.

“Cristiano works hard and performs again,” he wrote. “All round great performance by the team and Zizou’s tactics perfect as always.”

Zidane: Cristiano is unique

"Cristiano is a goalscorer. He's unique," Zidane told reporters, per Goal, after the match. "All the players were brilliant. One lad comes off and another one comes on and plays a great game.

"We knew what we had to do from the off and we played the game we wanted to."

Can Madrid retain the European Cup?

No team has ever retained the European Cup in its current format, but Real Madrid are the current favourites to win this year’s competition following Tuesday’s emphatic victory.

AS Monaco host Juventus in the other semi-final first leg this evening.