Source: Eurosport
Ronaldo makes real Champions League mark
Real Madrid reaped their first Champions League dividends from Cristiano Ronaldo as the world’s most expensive player converted two free kicks to help his team to a 5-2 victory over FC Zurich on Tuesday.
The Portuguese forward, who joined from Manchester United for 80 million pounds ($133 million) as part of the Spanish team’s 250-million-euro ($366 million) close season spending spree, has averaged more than a goal a game for his new team.
“The most important thing was to win the first game and start well in Europe. The team played well and I’m happy with the result,” Ronaldo told reporters.
“They say we’re favourites to win the Champions League but we have to take it step by step. I knew the goals would come.”
Ronaldo, who scored in his first two La Liga appearances, netted the first goal of the night when he rifled a free kick into the top corner from 20 metres in the 27th minute to silence the home fans, some of whom who were taunting him in Spanish.
The nine-times European champions led 3-0 at halftime before the Swiss champions pulled two goals back.
Ronaldo’s second snuffed out the home side’s fightback in the 89th minute, hitting a 30-metre free kick which slipped through goalkeeper Johnny Leoni’s hands to take his tally for Real to four goals in three competitive games.
“He has showed his importance in all the games he has played,” Real coach Manuel Pellegrini told a news conference.
“Today he showed us how good he is at free kicks but he doesn’t have to prove anything as a player.” (Reporting by Brian Homewood; Editing by Sonia Oxley
