Barcelona became the only Spanish team to win the Champions League and the domestic league and Cup in the same season in 2009 and La Liga leaders Real are in a strong position to match their arch rivals after Ronaldo’s goals helped them put together a 31-match unbeaten run since the end of October.
The Portugal forward has scored 41 in 37 appearances for the world’s richest club this term. His double in the 3-1 win against Schalke on Wednesday took his tally in the latest edition of Europe’s elite club competition to 13.
‘Ronaldo didn’t become World Player of the Year for nothing. His qualities are outstanding,’ Schalke coach Jens Keller told a news conference. With 13 goals in seven games, the 29-year-old former Manchester United player surpassed his best Champions League haul and is one short of the record of 14 set by Barca forward Lionel Messi in 2011-12. ‘Cristiano is the best in the world. He is a one-man show and an example for everyone,’ Real midfielder Casemiro, said.
Real will find out on Friday who they will face in the quarter-finals and they could be drawn against Barca or city neighbours Atletico Madrid. Real host Barca, the last team to beat them, in the La Liga ‘Clasico’ on Sunday, when a win would stretch their lead over the champions to seven points and deal a severe blow to Barca’s chances of a fifth title in six years.
Barca are third after a couple of surprise defeats, a point behind second-placed Atletico. Barca and Real also meet in next month’s King’s Cup final, a repeat of the 2011 showpiece which Real won 1-0, raising the prospect of a possible four meetings between them in the space of just over three weeks.
The Portugal forward has scored 41 in 37 appearances for the world’s richest club this term. His double in the 3-1 win against Schalke on Wednesday took his tally in the latest edition of Europe’s elite club competition to 13.
‘Ronaldo didn’t become World Player of the Year for nothing. His qualities are outstanding,’ Schalke coach Jens Keller told a news conference. With 13 goals in seven games, the 29-year-old former Manchester United player surpassed his best Champions League haul and is one short of the record of 14 set by Barca forward Lionel Messi in 2011-12. ‘Cristiano is the best in the world. He is a one-man show and an example for everyone,’ Real midfielder Casemiro, said.
Real will find out on Friday who they will face in the quarter-finals and they could be drawn against Barca or city neighbours Atletico Madrid. Real host Barca, the last team to beat them, in the La Liga ‘Clasico’ on Sunday, when a win would stretch their lead over the champions to seven points and deal a severe blow to Barca’s chances of a fifth title in six years.
Barca are third after a couple of surprise defeats, a point behind second-placed Atletico. Barca and Real also meet in next month’s King’s Cup final, a repeat of the 2011 showpiece which Real won 1-0, raising the prospect of a possible four meetings between them in the space of just over three weeks.