Cristiano Ronaldo reaches new group stage high

Cristiano Ronaldo's four-goal haul against Malmö has made him the first player to score 11 times in a UEFA Champions League group stage.

The Real Madrid forward already shared the group-stage record with Shakhtar Donetsk's Luiz Adriano, who managed nine goals last season – equalling Ronaldo's own mark from 2013/14. On that latter occasion the Portuguese international went on to score 17 times in Madrid's victorious campaign, a new European Cup best.

By his own high standards, Ronaldo has struggled in front of goal in the Spanish Liga this term, registering a mere ten goals in 14 appearances – but he has bettered that in just six UEFA Champions League games. That even allows for two blanks against Paris Saint-Germain on matchdays three and four; Ronaldo has racked up strikes against Shakhtar at home (three), Malmö away (two), Shakhtar away (two) and now Malmö again (four).

The 30-year-old's matchday six exploits against the Swedes also make him the first Madrid player to net four goals in a single UEFA Champions League fixture, while he now has four hat-tricks in the competition – fewer only than Lionel Messi (five).

UEFA Champions League leading scorers after the group stage
2014/15: Luiz Adriano (9)
2013/14: Ronaldo (9)
2012/13: Burak, Ronaldo (6)
2011/12: Gomez, Messi (6)
2010/11: Eto'o (7)
2009/10: Ronaldo (6)
2008/09: Benzema, Gerrard, Klose, Messi (5)
2007/08: Ibrahimović, Ronaldo (5)
2006/07: Drogba, Kaká, Morientes (5)
2005/06: Shevchenko (6)
2004/05: Van Nistelrooy (8)
2003/04: Drogba, Makaay, Pršo, Şükür (5)
2002/03: Crespo, Inzaghi (8) – first group stage only
2001/02: Elber, Trezeguet (6) – first group stage only
2000/01: Rivaldo, Simone (6) – first group stage only
1999/2000: Jardel, Rivaldo (5) – first group stage only
1998/99: Zahovič (7)
1997/98: Henry (6)
1996/97: Bokšić, Artur, Jardel, Pantić, Simeone, Simone (4)
1995/96: Litmanen (6)
1994/95: Weah (6)
1993/94: Rufer (4)
1992/93: Sauzée (5)