A less selfish Cristiano Ronaldo is now being seen at Real Madrid - thanks to the influence of his Spanish teammates. Sport says Ronaldo's sudden increase in assists is no fluke.

Real's senior leadership group, including Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos, confronted coach Jose Mourinho some weeks ago demanding he "stop allowing Ronaldo to do whatever he wants on the field and in the locker room".

Mourinho quickly understood the message and held crunch talks with his fellow Portuguese.

The revolt came after Casillas was punished by Mourinho for making contact with friends at Barcelona in the aftermath of the Super Copa controversy. The coach's confrontation infuriated Real's Spanish contingent and they demanded changes.

"I am delighted with Cristiano," said Mourinho this week. "In the last few games he has not scored, but the team has. I like him when he's clever and supportive in doing things."