Against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night, Cristiano Ronaldo proved once again that he’s the best No. 9 in world football right now.

Many football fans believe he’s the outright best player on the planet - even ahead of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi - and his odds of winning a joint-record fifth Ballon d’Or award have shortened after his hat-trick against Atleti at the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo may have ran the second least of any outfield player over the course of the 90 minutes, but he was by far and away the most decisive player on the pitch.

The Portuguese superstar, who also scored a hat-trick against Atletico at the Vicente Calderon earlier this season, broke the deadlock in the 10th minute.

He then added two more goals in 13 second-half minutes to leave Los Blancos with one foot in the final.

Ronaldo couldn't celebrate with teammates after match

Ronaldo took home the match ball after scoring the 42nd - yep, 42nd - hat-trick of his Real Madrid career.

However, his teammates were denied the opportunity to congratulate him inside the dressing room after the match.

Why? Because he was held back for a routine random drugs test after the match, according to Sergio Ramos.

“He had to undergo a doping test, so we couldn’t see him,” the defender told reporters, per Goal. “Obviously when Cristiano is in good form, Real Madrid make the most out of it.

“I want to congratulate him because he is unique.

“When he is playing well, Real Madrid are a different team.”

Best signing in Madrid's history?

Indeed, Ronaldo has now scored a magnificent 399 goals for Real Madrid - or 400, if you believe the club - since arriving from Manchester United in the summer of 2009.

The £80 million they paid the Red Devils eight years ago now looks an absolute steal.

As well as the Champions League, Ronaldo also has the chance to win a second La Liga winners’ medal over the coming weeks.

Madrid currently sit level with Barcelona at the top of the table on 81 points but, crucially, have a game in hand over their domestic rivals.