Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo will now share free-kick duties after the Wales international again showed his dead-ball credentials with a goal in Saturday's 5-0 La Liga win at Real Betis.

Bale has now scored three of the five direct free-kicks he has taken for Madrid following his strike at the weekend. Ronaldo, meanwhile, has also netted three dead-ball attempts from outside the box this term for his club - but from 25 attempts.

The difference in conversion rates - 60% to 12% - was highlighted this week in the Spanish media, and the Madrid coach was asked at Monday's post-training news conference if Bale should replace Ronaldo as the team's primary set-piece taker.

Ancelotti stopped short of admitting such a move, but did suggest that from now on the former Tottenham man would have priority when the angle favoured him.

"No, on the left wing Gareth Bale has more chances - as he showed against Betis - and Cristiano has a better chance from the right," he said.

"That is the decision we have taken for them both. Cristiano is stronger with his right, Gareth with his left."

Ronaldo trained earlier than his teammates on Monday, before receiving the title of "Grand Officer of the Order of Prince Henry" – one of Portugal’s highest honors – from Portuguese president, Anibal Cavaco Silva, in an official ceremony at the Belem Palace in Lisbon.

Ronaldo said it was “a moment of great pride” that gave him “the motivation to kep working, and even harder in the future.”

''I look upon football as fun.

''There's a while to go before I retire, and I want to win more trophies at club and national level.'

''Winning the World Cup is a dream,'' Ronaldo added. '

'It would be the peak of my career.''

Portugal’s president, Anibal Cavaco Silva, said Ronaldo deserved the recognition because he ''brings prestige for Portugal around the world.''

Will Ronaldo and Bale lead Real Madrid to silverware this season? Have your say in the comment section below.