Cristiano Ronaldo Scores El Clasico Winner: Reaction to Barcelona v Real Madrid
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo scored a fantastic winner during Saturday's Clasico against Barcelona, smashing home for 2-1 after a lovely touch with his chest.
The Portugal international had to wait for a high cross from Gareth Bale to fall to him, but he took it down beautifully, and goalkeeper Claudio Bravo could not stop the close-range shot. Here's a look at the goal, via Footy Live:
It was a stunning and well-deserved effort after Real had seen a goal by Bale controversially ruled out when the official adjudged there was a foul during the buildup.
The timing of the goal could't have been any better, as Sergio Ramos had just been sent off for a second bookable offence, and Barcelona were ready to push for a winner of their own.
As shared by Sky Sports Statto, Ronaldo's Clasico record is impressive:
After a cagey first half during which there were more rash tackles than chances, Gerard Pique opened the score from a corner kick. Karim Benzema equalised for the visitors with an acrobatic effort, and entering the final stages, Real appeared to have the momentum.
But Ramos, who could have been sent off sooner for a number of reckless challenges, complicated Los Blancos' bid for a winner when he received his marching orders in the 84th minute. Less than two minutes later, Ronaldo struck.
West Bromwich Albion's James McClean was watching, and he didn't hide his admiration for the former Manchester United man:
"Ronaldo!!! Worlds best
— James McClean (@JamesMcC14) April 2, 2016"
Sport Witness noticed one of the fans at the Camp Nou who had tried to get into Ronaldo's head earlier in the match:
Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News thought Dani Alves could have done more to prevent the goal:
According to ESPN Stats & Info, it marked Real's first win at the Camp Nou in La Liga since 2012, when Ronaldo was also the hero:
Per football writer Dermot Corrigan, Real manager Zinedine Zidane thinks the goal may have started something special:
Los Blancos are back in the Spanish title hunt, though they are still behind their rivals by seven points. More importantly, Zidane's men received a huge boost heading into their UEFA Champions League clash with Wolfsburg, which may just be what the squad needed to find success in Europe.
