Cristiano Ronaldo Must Perform in Clasico for Real Madrid to Triumph

In previous years stating that Cristiano Ronaldo must perform in the Clasico would have been bizarre. It was something that didn't need to be said. Of course he was going to perform.

After all, Cristiano became the first player to score in six consecutive Clasicos.

But in what may prove to be his final Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu, if he leaves Real Madrid in the summer, the team needs him to stand up more than ever.

Despite what the raw statistics say, Cristiano Ronaldo is not playing well this season.

He may have scored 13 goals in 15 Real Madrid games this season, but under closer inspection, there is plenty to be worried about.

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Eight of those goals came in the space of two games, five against Espanyol and then three against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Of the 15 games he has played, Ronaldo has failed to score in nine of them. His other goals came against Malmo FF, Levante, Las Palmas and Celta Vigo. Only the latter opponent can be considered a tricky test for him and Madrid.

In two matches against Paris Saint-Germain, away at Sevilla, away at Atletico Madrid and away at Athletic Club, Ronaldo has not scored. More than that, he played badly as well.

Though those two things usually go hand-in-hand these days. If Ronaldo doesn't score, he doesn't tend to play well either.

Thibault Camus/Associated Press

He admitted to World Soccer that he's changed his position in recent years, creeping further and further into the box and not playing like the Ronaldo of old, on the wing:

"

He’s different. I’m more of a box player, not so much a winger. Because goals are made inside the box and close to the goal, my position has changed a bit. The instinct for goal, as well, that’s something you learn with experience. It’s something that has come to me more naturally and that makes me happy. You can see the evolution that I’ve had throughout my career – since I began until today – and that is good for me. I’ve been evolving.

"

It means he contributes less to the team, for which the payoff is scoring lots of goals. Except when the latter doesn't work, Madrid are carrying deadweight.

In the past couple of weeks, Ronaldo has been excused from international duty. Ostensibly to give him a rest, but he's spent them flying around promoting his new film.

Per Sport, Ronaldo described the launch of his flick Ronaldo as one of the most important days of his life.

It came the day after defeat by Sevilla, which handed Barcelona a three-point lead in the title race, heading into the Clasico.

Joel Ryan/Associated Press

Madrid need Ronaldo to be at his best, not distracted, and not thinking about his film or about where his future lies, which he has spoken about several times recently—for example, the Portuguese told Kicker (via ESPN FC), "you have to do whatever makes you happy" when asked if he will see out his Madrid contract.

Ronaldo is a professional. He is dedicated to his art and thus far in his career he has deserved to reach the heights he has.

However, if he still wants to be held in the same esteem as Lionel Messi, who will likely win the Ballon d'Or in January 2016, he has to keep doing it, night after night.

Ronaldo has to take the field in the Clasico and find his very best level. The wandering, frustrated performances against the likes of Malaga, Sporting Gijon and Granada must be put behind him.

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Barcelona may not be able to start Lionel Messi, or even play him at all, depending on his fitness and knee strength after his injury.

If Ronaldo can find his golden river to draw from, things could play into Madrid's hands, and by nightfall on Saturday in the Spanish capital, they could be sitting joint top of the table.

But if we get the Ronaldo we have had far too often this season, Barcelona may be sitting six points clear at the top of the table.