Cristiano Ronaldo's recent goal surge is due in part to Real Madrid's increased tempo, manager Carlo Ancelotti says.
After scoring five times against Granada last week and another against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, Ronaldo on Saturday netted his first free kick of the season on his 57th try as Los Blancos defeated Eibar 3-0.
Ronaldo's recent outburst comes after Ronaldo only scored twice in a stretch of seven league games from Jan. 24 to March 15.
Asked what led Ronaldo to end his relative drought, Ancelotti said: "Cristiano was surprised because he always wants to score.
"He's really enjoying his football again because the team are playing with more speed and that gives him more freedom in front of goal. That's the difference between him and other strikers."
Real were able to trim Barcelona's lead atop La Liga to two points with the twin, but of equal importance to Ancelotti was that all his players stayed healthy ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarterfinal clash against Atletico Madrid.
"The entire squad will be available on Tuesday," said Ancelotti, whose side lost their previous game against Atletico 4-0. "Our last result is enough motivation for us, but we're convinced it'll be a different game. We want to progress in Europe and we'll try doing so with everything we've got.
"We're in no doubt it'll be an intense game and that intensity will be an important part of the game, but there are other things we have to take advantage of.
Pepe experienced a scary moment when he collided with goalkeeper Keylor Navas, but Ancelotti said his defender was uninjured.
"In the dressing room, Pepe had no problems. He'll be fine for Tuesday," Ancelotti said, adding that both Isco and James Rodriguez will also be fit to face Atletico.
Also getting on the scoresheet on Saturday was Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, who scored his first Real Madrid goal since October.
"The players who haven't played much did well, especially Chicharito," Ancelotti said. "He took his chance and his performance was complete. Everything went well."