Real Madrid 2010-11: Cristiano Ronaldo's Most Important Goals

Many critics of Cristiano Ronaldo claim that he fails to appear in big games against strong teams. While there are certainly a few fixtures during which he performed below par, Ronaldo led Real Madrid to crucial victories on multiple occasions.

Ronaldo has scored a commendable 53 goals in 52 appearances, many of which were instrumental to Real Madrid's campaign. Here are some of CR7's most important goals during the 2010-11 season.

Real Madrid vs. Deportivo (6-1)

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MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 03: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates with Juan Carlos and Marcelo after scoring Real's sixth goal during the La Liga match against Deportivo La Coruna at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 3, 2010 in Madrid, Spain.

Ronaldo's brace during the comfortable 6-1 victory over Deportivo is not included because of the importance of that particular game, but rather because of how it shaped the rest of Real Madrid's season.

Prior to the game, Ronaldo had only scored one goal in seven games, and Real Madrid had not fared much better, scoring a dismal nine goals during the opening seven games.

CR7's two goals, an early header and a late trademark "run-and-goal," were on either side of four strikes, all by different players. This game quite literally opened the floodgates for goals and attractive football.

Real Madrid vs. AC Milan (2-0)

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Many people claimed that Real Madrid's early lead in the league was due to playing bottom-of-the-table opponents. AC Milan was seen as Real Madrid's first major challenge.

Cristiano Ronaldo's well-taken free kick, accompanied by a convincing display, dispelled the notion that Real Madrid was not ready to be considered amongst Europe's elite.

Hercules vs. Real Madrid (1-3)

Hercules had pulled off a shocking result against Barcelona earlier in the season, and another surprise looked to be on the cards after David Trezeguet's early header. But a late Ronaldo double helped Real Madrid to victory.

Real Madrid vs. Valencia (2-0)

Many wondered how Real Madrid would cope after losing 5-0 to Barcelona. Ronaldo responded. A goal following a Mesut Ozil pass as well as a fine individual effort assured that Real Madrid remained within touching distance of Barcelona.

Real Madrid vs. Villarreal (4-2)

Real Madrid's home record was at stake after Villlarreal led on two separate occasions and outplayed the hosts during the opening half hour. But a Ronaldo hat trick and assist meant that Madrid emerged victorious in one of the best games of the season.

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona (Copa Del Rey Final) (1-0)

This one needs little explanation. Cristiano's extra-time header was instrumental in Real Madrid's 1-0 Copa del Rey final victory over Barcelona.

Villarreal vs. Real Madrid (1-3)

Even though the season was somewhat over by this point, Real Madrid was never going to ease up until the very last minute.

An away game to Villlarreal is considered one of the toughest fixtures of the year, but Ronaldo responded in style, scoring two beautiful free kicks and ensuring a 3-1 victory.

Real Madrid vs. Almeria (8-1)

The only achievement Real Madrid had to play for at this point was the all-time record for most goals by an individual in one season, jointly held by Hugo Sanchez, Telmo Zara and Cristiano Ronaldo.

CR7 not only scored a brace to bring his tally to 40 and put himself in a league of his own, but he also set up three goals, including a beautiful pass to debutant Joselu, a perfect and unselfish way to end the season.

Note: the highlight reel is long (12 minutes), so watch only if you're interested in watching all of the goals.

A Few Cristiano Ronaldo Statistics...

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MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 21: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his 2nd goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and UD Almeria at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 21, 2011 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

League Statistics

Started: 31

Used as Substitute: Two

Goals: 40 (Top Scorer)

Assists: 10

Ronaldo vs. Barcelona (First)
Games Played: Two
Goals: One
Assists: Zero

Ronaldo vs. Valencia (Third)
Games Played: One (Late appearance against Valencia at away not included)
Goals: Two
Assists: Zero

Ronaldo vs. Villarreal (Fourth)
Games Played: Two
Goals: Five
Assists: One

Ronaldo vs. Sevilla (Fifth)
Games Played: Two
Goals: Four
Assists: Zero

Ronaldo vs. Athletic Bilbao (Sixth)
Games Played: Two
Goals: Four
Assists: Zero

Champions League Statistics

Started: 12

Goals: Six

Assists: Four

Copa del Rey:

Started: Seven

Used as Substitute: One

Goals: Seven (Joint top scorer with Lionel Messi)

Assists: Zero (Messi had one assist)