Cristiano Ronaldo happy with first season at Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo happy with first season at Real Madrid

• Ronaldo says he is confident he will win titles at Madrid
• Player gives his backing to coach Manuel Pellegrini

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 26 goals in 28 La Liga games for Real Madrid this season. Photograph: Andres Kudacki/AP

Cristiano Ronaldo is satisfied with his first season at Real Madrid even though it looks destined to end trophyless. The 25-year-old has scored 26 goals in 28 La Liga games since moving to the Bernabéu from Manchester United for a world-record £80m last summer.

Madrid head into this weekend's final round of fixtures a point behind Barcelona. Manuel Pellegrini's side must win at Málaga and hope Barça fail to beat Real Valladolid at Camp Nou if they are to pip their rivals to the title.

Regardless of the outcome this weekend, though, Ronaldo is content with how things are progressing in the Spanish capital.

"I really enjoyed the season that I've done, but what's missing is winning a title," he said. "I'm very happy here in Madrid and my team-mates have helped me a lot, but the team has not won anything. We have to keep fighting and I am confident we will win many titles (in future)."

Of this term's final weekend, he added: "It's hard to win the league, but in football anything can happen. Mathematically it is possible. We have to win in Málaga and see what happens in Barcelona. We must have hope."

Ronaldo considers the Champions League exit - at the last-16 stage to Lyon in March - the biggest disappointment of his first 12 months in Spain.

"It was very bad, very difficult, but the circumstances must be taken into account," he told the Spanish television programme Punto Pelota. "We have new players, a team under construction, a different coach and we know that success does not come straight away - you have to slide a bit.

"I remember in my first two years at Manchester we did not win anything and we went on to win the Champions League."

One man who has not had to deal with Champions League elimination this season is the Internazionale coach José Mourinho, who will lead his team into the final against Bayern Munich at the Bernabéu on 22 May, and has been heavily linked with a summer move to Madrid. Ronaldo is impressed by Mourinho's coaching record but remains behind current boss Pellegrini.

"The successes speak for themselves," he said of his fellow Portuguese. "A person earning titles is a good person. Success does not come just like that. At the moment, Pellegrini fits more with me."

As for his own future, Ronaldo appears settled where he is but refused to categorically rule out a move when quizzed about the possibility of joining arch rivals Barça.

"Madrid is my home and Real Madrid my club, but you cannot say never," he said. "I do not know what will happen in the future. You never know, although I would like to retire in Madrid."

Nayantara is with ‘Boss Engira Baskaran’!

Earlier the grapevine was abuzz that Nayantara will be shaking her hips with Dhanush soon. When we enquired about this to the sources close to ‘Mappillai’ team and Dhanush, they just rubbished the news.

Dhanush’s circle seems to deny the news that the actor is not doing an item number with Nayantara. Looks like ‘Mappillai’ team has not approached the actress for any such offer.

On the other hand Nayantara’s close one too rubbishes the news. They claim that Nayantara is so busy with ‘Boss Engira Baskaran’ shoot that is happening in Kumbakonam. And she is gonna start the work for anew Telugu film opposite top star Balakrishna.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Quick Gun Murugan Part –II

Quick Gun Murugun directed by Shashanka Ghosh enjoyed critical acclaims for its innovative screen play. The film was not good at box office collection but left a trace of difference in genre.

Now sources close to the film’s makers say that they are planning for the sequel of ‘Quick Gun Murugan’.

Imagine Mango Dolly and Murugan posing together again and saying, “See you in Cinemas, I say!”

Let’s see how the sequel works at the box office this time.

This western spoof written by Rajesh Devraj is a family entertainer with weird songs, outrageous melodrama and foolish action sequences. The film featured Ramba as Mango Dolly and Dr. Rajendra Prasad as Quick Gun Murugan in the lead role

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Aayiram Vilakku’ brings a new Sathyaraj

‘Aayiram Vilakku’ is expected to be another turning point of Sathyaraj’s career. Though villain roles are not new to the actor, this time he will not be in his usual style. A villain with a change - get to know the all new baddie of the industry!

Sathyaraj is coming as Lingam, a gangster who retires from all his bad activities and becomes a dormant. Later on in the story he picks the weapons again for the sake of a guy who seeks his help. Sources say that the total dialogue delivered by Sathyaraj in the entire film can be jotted down in a single paper. Though the film’s title is an area in Chennai, the film’s backdrop is Madurai.

Directed by S P Hosimin, the film has Santhanu Bhagiyaraj and Sana Khan in the lead. ‘Aayiram Vilakku’ has Srikanth Deva scoring music to the lyrics of Vairamuthu.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Injured Cristiano Ronaldo calls for patience at Real Madrid

Injured Cristiano Ronaldo calls for patience at Real Madrid
• 'I'm not Real Madrid's saviour. I'm just a team player'

Cristiano Ronaldo has missed Real Madrid's last six games through injury. Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images

Cristiano Ronaldo has called for patience – both from his Real Madrid team-mates and the Spanish club's fans – as he attempts to overcome an ankle injury.

The Portugal winger, who moved from Manchester United in the summer, has scored nine goals in seven appearances – all wins – since leaving England. But an ankle injury has forced him to the sidelines, where he has been watching his team-mates struggle.

"I've already missed some games to injury but it's not like I'm the saviour," said Ronaldo. "I'm just a player that will help the team to win, but the team needs to work. I think things will improve."

Ronaldo has missed the past six games, one of those being a 4-0 loss at Alcorcón in the first leg of the fourth round of the Copa del Rey. That result put the pressure on Real's coach Manuel Pellegrini, who has pleaded for more time.

When asked how much more time can be given to a team that spent more than €250m (£225m) in the summer for players such as Ronaldo, Kaká, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso, Ronaldo said: "I don't know. I just hope it's as quickly as possible because if not we'll lose games or points and that's not good for the club or for us the players, either.

"It's difficult when we lose a game, or another with a little pressure, but that's normal and it's a club that's used to it and players should be ready for that. I'm certain – 100% certain – that the team will reach a high level, but that takes time."

Madrid trail the defending champions Barcelona by one point and Ronaldo believes the difference in experience has much to do with their contrasting starts.

"We know if we get better we'll reach a good level and we'll be able to fight against [Barcelona], who have a clear base of great players who go out playing the same way," he said. "Madrid is not like that. But, little by little, I'm confident the team will improve and we will play well. I'm sure of that."

Ronaldo also commented on the Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, who is expected to win the Ballon d'Or and Fifa player of the year titles held by the Portuguese. "He's got a great team at his back and it's a lot easier when you have so many great players of quality around you," he said. "When you play in a team under construction, it's much more difficult, and Barça has a team that for many years has been great."

However, Ronaldo is not ready to concede the league title just yet. "There are no favourites in my opinion," he said. "The truth is Barça is playing really well, playing better than us. That's the reality and people know that. But accounts are settled at the end of the season and I'm confident we're going to improve and we're going to fight to the end of the season."

Ronaldo remained positive when asked about his return to Real's side: "I'm very relaxed and will keep working in the same way that I did at Manchester and I know things will work out little by little and the team will get better," said the 24-year-old.

"Life is very good. It's very similar to Portugal; I knew that before and I'm very happy here. It's a very lovely city," he said. "It's totally different [from Manchester]. Here there is almost always sun. The personality of the people are very different. The league, the food – almost everything is different and for that it's been a very radical change."

Cristiano Ronaldo Is A Great Player - Brazil's Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo Is A Great Player - Brazil's Ronaldo






Brazilian superstar Ronaldo affirmed that he has no intention of returning to Real Madrid as a director in the future. The Corinthians striker, who played for Los Blancos for five years, told the press that now isn't the right moment to talk about the possibilities of him becoming a director.

















Last year Ronaldo promised Florentino Perez, the president of Real Madrid, that he would become a club director. This was when he participated in a friendly match between his and the friends of Zinedine Zidane.

"Let's see what will happen. It isn't in my plans to return to Real Madrid. I have a great relationship with the club, especially with Florentino. But I'm still a player, and I don't see myself playing for Madrid," Ronaldo told AS.

The former World Player of the Year admitted to being impressed with the players Real Madrid signed this season, especially Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, who inherited the no.9 shirt once worn by Ronaldo.

"I saw that he uses my number and my name. I think it is great that he uses that shirt. I advise him to work to his maximum level when wearing that shirt. He is a great player."

Ronaldo also had time to speak about his compatriot Kaka: "Kaka is my friend and he is working wonders at Madrid."

Later on in the week Ronaldo will return to Brazil to confront Corinthians' league clash against Atletico Paranaense on Saturday.

Gregory Sica, Goal.com

Pepe: Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo Is Better Than Barcelona’s Lionel Messi

Pepe believes that Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo is a better player than Barcelona star Lionel Messi because he has more aspects to his game.

The Brazilian-born defender has returned from a ten-match ban for punching and stamping on an opponent and is enjoying the limelight that he being given.

With both Ronaldo and Messi constantly being compared in the Spanish media, Pepe has waded into the debate and sided with his fellow Portugal international.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is better because he is capable of scoring goals with his head, with both feet and from free kicks, as well as creating goals," he told Marca.

"He is a spectacular player, able to incredible things. He has a great desire to win and he his going to help us a lot."

Reflecting on his ten-match ban and the incident that led to the punishment, Pepe admits that he has learnt from it.

"What I did was wrong, but I served my suspension and all I want to do now is work hard and help my team. I was happy to return and I am now eager to do my very best," he continued.

"My friends and family gave me their full support. They know what kind of guy I am and I am grateful. I know I have a lot to learn, but I have apologised for what I did."

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

Lionel Messi Will Win The Ballon d'Or, But Cristiano Ronaldo Deserves It - Jorge Valdano

Real Madrid's director general thinks that the Barca ace will scoop the prestigious award because of his early-year success. However, he has stated that Ronaldo is a better candidate for the gong.

Jorge Valdano believes that Lionel Messi of Barcelona will win the coveted Ballon d'Or ahead of Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, though he doesn't believe that should be the case.

Messi helped guide Barca to a unique treble last season and was a member of a front line who scored over 100 goals, along with Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o.

"Each in his way is a star from a higher dimension," Valdano was quoted as saying by AS.

"Messi because he runs with the ball attached to the foot, is very effective in one-on-one's and shoots well with his left leg.

"Cristiano because he is fast, with great control of the ball at speed, tremendous power, tremendous continuity during the game, because he is currently the best striker in the world.

"Ronaldo would deserve it, but I've always thought the Ballon d'Or is awarded for what one did until July. Messi won it all."

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo Gives Me Confidence To Improve – Manchester United’s Nani

Cristiano Ronaldo Gives Me Confidence To Improve – Manchester United’s Nani

Nani has revealed that he is in constant contact with friend and compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo as he strives to become a fixture in the Manchester United team.

The Portuguese winger has been tipped as one of the stars at Old Trafford capable of taking over from Ronaldo, who left the club in the summer to join Real Madrid.

However, instead of shining through, Nani has struggled to perform this term and was even goaded by Stoke City fans at the weekend with a chant of "you'll never be Ronaldo".

Looking to overcome his current dip, the 22-year-old, whose full name is Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha, will speak to the €94 million player for advice.

"Cristiano and I talk a lot," Nani was quoted as saying by The Sun.

"We speak about my own game and he gives me confidence to go out and perform."

Ronaldo believes that his former team-mate can rise to the challenge of becoming one of United's top stars.

"Nani is an excellent player and I am sure that in a few years he will be among the best players in the world," he stated.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

Manchester United's Nani turns to Cristiano Ronaldo for guidance

Manchester United's Nani turns to Cristiano Ronaldo
for guidance

Manchester United winger Nani has revealed he regularly turns to former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo for advice on how to improve his game.

Two years on from his arrival at Old Trafford, speculation about the Portugal international's future continues to circulate due to a lack of consistency in his performances.

Nani's below-par display against Stoke at the weekend saw him replaced by Ryan Giggs early in the second half, and led home supporters at the Britannia Stadium to taunt the 22-year-old with chants of "You'll never be Ronaldo".

After the match, which United won 2-0, Nani admitted that when his performances are criticised and he needs his confidence levels lifted, he turns to Ronaldo for guidance.

"Cristiano and I talk a lot," he told the Sun. "We speak about my own game and he gives me confidence to go out and perform."

Following his £80 million move out of Old Trafford this summer, Ronaldo said he had no doubt that his compatriot could fill the void left by himself and Carlos Tevez who transferred to United's rivals Manchester City for £25.5 million.

The world's most expensive player insisted that with time, Nani could develop into one of the best players in the world.

"I have seen that Nani is playing much more than he was last season when I was there," Ronaldo said. "That's good for him and he will benefit. Now he has more opportunities, he will show the fans how great a player he is. There is a lot more to come from him.

"Nani is an excellent player and I am sure that in a few years he will be among the best players in the world."

Manchester United's Nani Seeks Confidence Boost From Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United's Nani seeks confidence-boost from Cristiano Ronaldo

Ryan Giggs' ability to turn Saturday's Stoke City tie in Manchester United's favour further highlighted the sub-par performance of Portuguese winger Nani, but when the international is feeling low, he claims he can always find a confidence boost when he talks to international team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Nani arrived at the Theatre of Dreams in a similar style to Ronaldo, now at Real Madrid.

They were purchased from the same club, Sporting CP, and employed a multitude of tricks and flicks in the initial stages of their Old Trafford days - but the former has not developed at the same rate as the latter.

The 22-year-old winger, though, still seeks the approval of Ronaldo.

"Cristiano and I talk a lot," Nani revealed to Sky Sports News. "We speak about my own game and he gives me confidence to go out and perform."

Ronaldo recently talked-up the talent and potential of Nani. He said: "Nani is an excellent player and I am sure that in a few years he will be among the best players in the world."

Alan Dawson, Goal.com UK

Alex Ferguson Bet On Cristiano Ronaldo To Top Real Madrid Charts

Sir Alex Ferguson has been impressed with Cristiano Ronaldo's start to his new career with Real Madrid and revealed that he always felt he could be the top goalscorer at the club.

The Manchester United manager had no doubts that the player he groomed to be one of the world's best would be a success after his €94 million move to the Spanish capital.

Ronaldo'searly goal against Villarreal in midweek took his tally to five and he is the joint top goalscorer along with David Villa and Barça duo Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi.

With two more in the opening Champions League game the Portuguese star has made an impressive start and his former boss admitted he always thought that would be the case.

Ferguson explained that he had placed a crafty bet with bookmakers that Ronaldo would top the scoring charts and he is confident he will be paid.

"I saw his goal on Wednesday, what a goal. He has done well to get seven goals right away," he told the Mail on Sunday.

"He's started very well. They play 38 league games, European games, Spanish Cup, so you never know."

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

Kaka: I Am Not In Cristiano Ronaldo's Shadow At Real Madrid

Kaka: I Am Not In Cristiano Ronaldo's Shadow At Real Madrid

Kaka has insisted that he is not in Cristiano Ronaldo's shadow at Real Madrid after the Portuguese star started to impress with his free-kicks in recent games.

The Brazilian has yet to find the net despite some encouraging displays and his team-mate has taken all the headlines with his goalscoring feats.

Critics have said that Kaka needs to improve and prevent himself from being in Ronaldo's shadow, but the player himself is insistent that he is not.

"I can assure you that I am not. I have the job of providing goal assists and have three to my name so far. Everyone must understand what his role is;" he told AS.

"Everything Cristiano has done in recent days was his own doing. He has performed his job well and the team has benefited."

A lack of goals has also seen Kaka asked again and again by reporters when he thinks the will score and how many goals he thinks he can bag this term.

"It isn’t an issue for me. I am fine. I have provided many assists and am fine like that. We are winning matches and that is all that counts. I will score at some point, but fans shouldn’t worry," he continued.

"I couldn’t promise a certain number of goals and I am still at zero, but my first will come. I also like to pass and provide assists because that is my main job.

"I don’t deny that I like to score, but I am not worried about not doing so yet."

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo says Manchester United's Nani will be one of the best players in the world

Cristiano Ronaldo claims Portuguese winger Nani is more than capable of filling the void left by his £80 million summer transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid.

Nani, 22, has made six appearances for United this season after being challenged by manager Sir Alex Ferguson to take advantage of Ronaldo's departure from the club.

The former Sporting Lisbon player has struggled to live up to his £17 million transfer fee since his arrival at Old Trafford two years ago, but Nani has shown glimpses of his ability in recent weeks.

And Ronaldo, who has made a record-breaking start at Real by scoring in each of his first four league games, is backing Nani to shine at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo said: "I have seen that Nani is playing much more than he was last season when I was there. That's good for him and he will benefit. Now he has more opportunities, he will show the fans how great a player he is. There is a lot more to come from him and I am sure that in a few years he will be among the best players in the world."

Ronaldo added: "Every time I can, I try to watch United's games on television. I still like to know what is happening at Old Trafford."

Uefa has confirmed that United's Champions League Group B fixture against CSKA Moscow in Russia on Oct 21 will kick off at 5.30pm UK time.

Cristiano Ronaldo enjoying life in Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo enjoying life in Madrid

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo told Spanish television station Tele 5 that he was delighted with life at his new club.

"I am happy in Spain and I am adapting bit by bit, because people at the club have helped me a lot," said the player who cost 95 million euros from Manchester United during the summer.

Cristiano has scored seven goal in five games for his new club and Real Madrid is currently join top of the Primera Liga table with four wins from four matches.

"Everything is working out well. We are winning, scoring goals, especially me, and I have to thank my team mates for that," he commented, adding that he was glad to have put a nervous start to his Madrid career in the past.

"I was working as hard as I did at Manchester and bit by bit, I knew things would work out," he said.

The striker has quickly become a focus of attention for rival fans, who have tended to boo and whistle him when Madrid plays away from home.

"I am used to people whistling me, it's something that happens in football. But what I want is to do things better and to help the team," he said.

At the moment Real Madrid's play has compared badly with the football that title holders FC Barcelona have displayed. While Barcelona has moved the ball fluidly, Madrid has struggled in midfield and relied on the tremendous striking power of Ronaldo to win its four league matches to date.

Ronaldo said he admired the football displayed by Madrid's big rivals.

"It is a very good team and has some excellent players. The players all fit in well with each other, but at the end of the season we will see which is the better side," he said.

Source: Xinhua

Cristiano Ronaldo a telly addict during Manchester United matches

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo insists he still watches all of Manchester United’s matches on television and, keeping an interest in what goes on at his former club, has backed Nani to fill his boots at Old Trafford.

“Every time I can I try to watch United’s games on television,” Ronaldo told the Mirror, who has adapted quickly to life in La Liga and has scored in all four of Real’s league matches this season.

“I still like to know what’s happening at Old Trafford. And despite now being at Real, I’m always happy when I know when United have won.

“I’ve also seen that Nani is playing much more than he was last season when I was there. That’s good for him and he will benefit from that.

“Now he has more opportunities to play, he will be able to show the fans just how a great player he is.

“We still speak regularly on the phone. And it’s good to see United’s fans are starting to appreciate him more and have been happy with his form up until now.

“Nani is an excellent player. There’s a lot more to come from him and I’m sure that in a few years he will be among the best players in the world.”

Nani’s hopes of cementing a regular first team place improved with Ronaldo’s £80 million transfer to Spain.

He was excellent against Wolves in the Carling Cup in midweek but is likely to be relegated back to the bench for the weekend’s Premier League fixture at Stoke.

Gary Neville, who in is his time at United has seen many young talents come and go, believes the Portuguese needs to bide his time and not get frustrated at his lack of first team starts.

“It’s difficult to get games at this club as a young player, because you’ve got to be very talented and very good - which they are,” said Neville.

“During the season you always need to call upon your squad. There will be injuries in certain areas and those lads could be the ones who will be really important for us.”

“Momentum is very important. The reason we maybe started sluggishly in the first week of the season was because we probably weren’t at our optimum fitness levels.

“A lot of the players hadn’t played a lot of games, then a lot went away for the internationals, while some stayed back and trained.

“Some players got a couple of games in during the international break, so we came back from that in much better shape and since then we’ve done pretty well.

“We’re in a much better position at the moment, where everybody seems to be fit, and we’ve got players who are desperate to play.”

Cristiano Ronaldo: I'm Still A Manchester United Fan

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that he still watches his former club Manchester United whenever he can, and has backed former team-mate Nani to become one of "the best players in the world".

Despite leaving for a world record fee of £80 million in the summer after six years at Old Trafford, the Portuguese superstar said that he still cheered for United when watching them on television.

He also expressed his delight for good friend Nani, who has been given more opportunity to flourish in Ronaldo's absence. The current World Player of the Year said that his fellow countryman was steadily winning over his critics and would soon prove to be a world-beater.

"Every time I can I try to watch United's games on television," said the Real Madrid man, according to The Daily Mirror.

"I still like to know what's happening at Old Trafford. And despite now being at Real, I'm always happy when I know when United have won.

"I've also seen that Nani is playing much more than he was last season when I was there. That's good for him and he will benefit from that.

"Now he has more opportunities to play, he will be able to show the fans just how a great player he is.

"We still speak regularly on the phone. And it's good to see United's fans are starting to appreciate him more and have been happy with his form up until now.

"Nani is an excellent player. There's a lot more to come from him and I'm sure that in a few years he will be amongst the best players in the world."

Ronaldo has been in unstoppable form for his new club so far this season, scoring in all of his first four Primera Division matches.

Phillip Wen, Goal.com UK

Spanish Inquisition: Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Who Has Made The More Impressive Start?

They are two of the highest paid, highest profile footballers in the world today. They play for two of the grandest, most demanding and ambitious clubs anywhere on the planet, and they generated unparalleled commotion during the summer transfer market.

They are, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, superstar signings for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

Both clubs had cautiously advised fans and media alike not to expect too much from the pair in the early stages of the season, to allow them to settle into their new environs and to grant them some breathing space before they are judged, or even worse, compared. We’re barely a month into the new season and, yes, the honeymoon period is over.

While most new arrivals are afforded a handsome amount of time to adjust, it’s not a luxury you can have when there’s a ludicrous price tag hanging around your neck. But in truth, the €94 million Portuguese and the €66m Swede have wasted little time in delivering the goods and making their presence felt in La Liga.

At the weekend, Ibrahimovic found the back of the net again. Three goals in three games, and it was his best strike yet in the Blaugrana shirt. Running on to a through ball from Sergio Busquets, the big former Inter hitman ghosted in between two defenders like a sneaky little mouse before dinking the ball over Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Roberto with the outside of his right foot.

His setup for Seydou Keita’s goal was equally outrageous

. Sandwiched by two defenders, he lifted the ball in between the Atelti duo to set Lionel Messi on his merry little way. That subtle flick alone would have won him rave reviews had it led directly to a goal, but it was completely eclipsed by 'El Mesias’s' actual assist.

But there’s still a question mark over 'Ibra’s' work rate. While it’s evident that he has no problems replicating Samuel Eto’o’s goalscoring ratio, it’s clear to see that he is unlikely to reproduce the Cameroonian’s contributions outside of the opposing penalty area.

But it would be unfair to compare them in that department. Everyone knew well beforehand, including coach Pep Guardiola, that Zlatan is not the kind of striker who drops deep to fight for the ball or apply pressure on defenders, and anyone who insists that he does, well… they’ll just have to wait.

Big Guns | Ibra shows that he has plenty of muscle

Ronaldo, meanwhile, the most under-pressure footballer in the world, has made an even more spectacular start to his Blancos career. Four league goals in three La Liga games, and two in the Champions League. That’s six goals in four competitive outings in total. Nerves? What nerves?

He has already exhibited almost all his old Manchester United virtues in front of goal. He scored a stunning free kick in midweek against FC Zurich, rattled in a solo effort against Xerez on Sunday evening after just 45 seconds, and he followed that up with a trademark towering header later in the contest.

Some would say that he got lucky with his free kick strikes against the Swiss in midweek, and that a better shot-stopper would have repelled them, but you still need to hit the ball with the right technique to force the goalkeeper into making an error.

There’s also been a decent dose of showboating, something that his detractors will continue to pan but will undoubtedly delight the Santiago Bernabeu faithful, provided he doesn’t give the ball away too cheaply too often.
Hands Off | CR9 is in virtually untouchable form

Like Ibra, however, ‘CR9’ does very little tracking back to help out his defensive team-mates. But does that even really matter?

Madrid and Barca spent a fortune to bring these two entertainers to their respective clubs, and they parted with all that cash in exchange for goals and flashes of genius, not for muscles or Swiss-precision tackling.

Of course, a time will come when things are going sour and the pair will be asked to do more than shimmies and step-overs. But for now, let boys be boys.

In terms of expectations, both Cristiano and Zlatan are still a long way away from what they are capable of producing. But considering the extra-ordinary circumstances – Ibrahimovic being thrown into a team surrounded by otherworldly talent and Ronaldo having to assimilate into a side full of newcomers – they have performed admirably well, especially when you take into account how the likes of Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Thierry Henry and even Ronaldinho took their own sweet time to hit the ground running in La Liga.

But who between the two has impressed you the most so far?

KS Leong, Goal.com

Villarreal 0-2 Real Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo Scores In Starring Role For Los Blancos

Cristiano Ronaldo is beginning to make a habit of scoring at the start of games for Real Madrid. After netting in the first minute against Xerez last weekend, the world's most expensive footballer waited until the second minute tonight to send Los Blancos on their way to a 2-0 victory over Villarreal at El Madrigal.

The home side's cause wasn't helped by the dismissal of Gonzalo Rodriguez, who picked up two first half yellow cards for fouls on Ronaldo, and Brazilian playmaker Kaka.

The goal, which stunned the Madrigal faithful before some had found their seats, was typical of the winger as his surging solo run at the heart of the Villarreal defence was capped by a typically clinical finish from the edge of the box.

Ronaldo has now scored in his first four league games for the Blancos, which is a record at Real Madrid, and after the visitors took the lead it was plain sailing with the Portuguese star in fine form, showing some of his trademark trickery and producing some excellent runs.

Madrid dominated proceedings early on and coach Manuel Pellegrini will have been pleased to see his side produce a resolute and organised defensive display too which stifled anything the home side could muster in the attacking third.

A fine move midway through the half involving Guti and Brazilian duo Kaka and Marcelo nearly produced a sublime team goal to give the visitors a two goal cushion but Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain couldn't fashion the finish the move so richly deserved.

Another Argentinian, Fernando Gago asserted his authority on the game with a commanding display in the centre of the park as Los Merengues continued to dominate, though a mix up between Sergio Ramos and goalkeeper Iker Casillas almost gifted the home side an equaliser from Angel's cross after half an hour.

Rodriguez saw red moments later for his second bookable offense to make the improbable, impossible for the home side. Ronaldo continued to terrorise the Villarreal defence but 1-0 it stayed at the break.

Villarreal, and Giuseppe Rossi in particular started brightly after the interval but it wasn't long before Real reasserted their dominance bringing a brilliant double save from Diego Lopez as first Higuain and then Ronaldo tested the Yellow Submarine's custodian.

The home side gave as good as they got for large periods of the second half but their threat soon faded as Kaka scored from the penalty spot shortly after the hour mark for his first goal in a Madrid shirt after Angel had handled Marcelo's cross.

The penalty decision was a harsh one but Madrid were worthy of a two goal lead and could have made it three late on as second half substitute Raul should have done better as he blazed a shot over the bar.

It finished 2-0 to the visitors and it was a win the performance deserved. They join Barcelona on 12 points as the top two set a swift early pace in La Liga while Villarreal must look to bounce back against Deportivo La Coruna at the Riazor on Sunday.

Paul Madden, Goal.com

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo Annoyed At Xerez Substitution

Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo is said to have been annoyed at being substituted with ten minutes remaining in the 5-0 win over Xerez on Sunday, according to AS.

The Portugal international is reportedly targetting the Pichichi Trophy by topping the goalscorers list in his first season in the Primera Division.

Madrid were three goals to the good when Ronaldo, who scored Madrid's first two, was replaced by Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Dutch striker managed to score Madrid's fifth goal late in the game.

Ronaldo is keen to make his mark on Spanish football by pipping the likes of Barcelona's Lionel Messi to the Pichichi and the report suggests that he is also keen to make a late show to beat the Argentinian to this year's Ballon d'Or and FIFA Player of the Year prizes, both of which the Portuguese star won last year.

Cristiano is currently top of the goalscorers charts, level with Valencia striker David Villa on four league goals, while Barca stars Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Roberto Soldado of Getafe all have three.

Paul Madden, Goal.com