Cristiano Ronaldo has never been a fan of other players’ goals.
Even beautiful ones scored by his team-mates.
There’s only so much room in the spotlightREUTERS
Stuttering Real Madrid were put under pressure once again at the Bernabeu when Adrian gave visitors Deportivo La Coruna the lead midway through the first half in La Liga’s first afternoon kick-off on Sunday.
However, Los Blancos rallied impressively take a 2-1 lead into half time, before putting on an exhibition in the second half to complete a 7-1 thrashing.
Nacho started the comeback as he guided the ball into the net from Marcelo’s smart cutback before the Brazilian provided a second assist when his cross ended up Gareth Bale’s feet at the far post.
The Welshman shifted the ball back onto his wand of a left foot and curled a sublime finish into the top corner.
Cue celebrations from everyone associated with Real Madrid… everyone that is, except Ronaldo.
A recent poll concluded that over 60% of Real Madrid fans want Ronaldo to leave the clubREUTERS
A second before Bale’s finish, the Portuguese superstar appealed for a penalty after going down in the box under pressure from his marker.
Replays showed Luisinho had put a hand on Ronaldo’s back but there didn’t appear to be enough pressure to send the five-time Ballon d’Or winner tumbling to the floor in the manner exhibited.
And even though Bale put Real into the lead a moment later, Ronaldo continued his protest, pointing at the ref instead of joining his team-mates in celebrating a fantastic goal.
Ronaldo went down easily in the box
Bale retrieved the loose ball
Ronaldo appealed for a penalty on the deck
And didn’t seem interested in Bale’s shot as it whistled past him
Ronaldo continued to stare down the referee as other Real players celebrated Bale’s strike
Ronaldo pointed and yelled at the ref as Bale wheeled off to celebrate putting his side ahead
Ronaldo did eventually make his way over to Bale but his initial reaction was telling of his mindset.
Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer has been criticised for his performances in La Liga this season.
Before kick-off he had four goals to his name in the league and had the worst conversion rate in Europe’s top five leagues this campaign.
The legendary No7 relieved some of the pressure on him with a late double.
He volleyed home Casemiro’s cross from close range in 78th minute before a typically expert header into the bottom corner six minutes later.
His second came at a price too as he lost some blood after getting kicked in the head during the act of scoring.
Ronaldo was brave in stooping to score his secondEPA
Ronaldo’s overall performance was impressive.
He produced a superb backheel flick assist into Luka Modric for Real’s fourth goal and was constant threat as Los Blancos run riot in the second half.
But he’s not used to goal droughts and his body language has been a cause for concern in recent times.
Zinedine Zidane will be hoping a welcome brace will spark an upturn in morale and form in his superstar forward.
Roanldo took his league tally to six for the seasonEPA
The hosts won 7-1 in the end with Bale and nacho also bagging braces.
After back-to-back home defeats in La Liga, Zizou will be relieved to his troops swagger to victory in such style.
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