Ahead of the much-anticipated El Clásico, a look at Ronaldo’s finest moments in this epic rivalry
As the highly anticipated El Clásico approaches on October 27th at 12:30 AM IST, all roads lead to the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid is second in La Liga with 24 points after 10 matches (7 wins, 3 draws), following only Barcelona, who tops the league table with 27 points from 9 wins and one defeat.
👀 You have plans again. #ElClásico https://t.co/sk1qZTCPkO
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 25, 2024
But when we think about El Clásico, we can't help but remember the luminaries who have left their stamp on this historic event. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the names reverberating throughout Santiago Bernabéu and the Nou Camp. Ronaldo ranks third on the list of top scorers in the El Clásico, after only Lionel Messi and Alfredo Di Stéfano. Let's take a trip down memory lane and watch five great games when El Clásico indeed became the Ronaldo show.
The Copa del Rey final at Valencia's Mestalla Stadium was a match rife with suspense and history. Ronaldo had played a key role in getting Real to the final, scoring six goals along the way. With Mourinho in charge, Real Madrid kept the game close and restricted Barcelona's offensive.
🏆💫 👑 Nine years ago today we clinched our 18th Copa del Rey!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 20, 2020
⏳ On April 20, 2011 we ran out 0-1 winners against @FCBarcelona in a dramatic extra-time victory at Mestalla!#RMHistory | #RMFansEnCasa pic.twitter.com/ROTmQPygFZ
Despite a few scares, Iker Casillas stood firm, and Ronaldo took his time. He jumped like a panther to meet Di Maria's cross with a powerful header in extra time. The lone goal gave Real the championship and Ronaldo his first piece of silverware in Spain.
Real Madrid led La Liga by four points heading into this match. Losing here would have jeopardised their title aspirations, but Ronaldo had different intentions. After Alexis Sánchez's equaliser sparked a frenzy at Camp Nou, Ronaldo responded within minutes.
With Valdés off his line, Ronaldo calmly rounded the keeper for his 42nd goal of the season. His signature "calm down" motion to the crowd effectively caught the scene. It wasn't just a victory; it was the last nail in Barcelona's championship dreams.
The Supercopa de España may be labelled as an "exhibition," but when these two teams meet, that term signifies nothing. After losing the first leg 3-2, Real required something exceptional in the second match.
Ronaldo complied. He neatly flipped the ball over Piqué with a sly backheel before smashing it into the goal. Messi's free shot gave Barça hope, but Real won the Cup on away goals, and Ronaldo took the headlines.
In this early-season duel at the Bernabéu, Neymar gave Barcelona the lead in the fourth minute. However, Ronaldo restored parity, neatly converting a penalty after Piqué handled Marcelo's pass.
Real surged on, and Pepe made it 2-1 before Ronaldo scored again with a clever ball to James, who set up Benzema. It was a sweeping victory that sent a powerful message to their rivals.
Real came into this match with a 2-1 deficit from the first leg. And when Barcelona grabbed a three-goal aggregate lead, the job appeared unattainable. But then Ronaldo walked up.
He levelled in the 67th minute, and Benzema quickly followed. While the aggregate deficit persisted, Ronaldo's valiant comeback showed that, even against the odds, he could lead a fightback.
