Cristiano Ronaldo scores spectacular goals with explosive shots and headers from all angles. There was nothing explosive about his first goal in six matches at Anfield, but the build-up and finish were sheer class.
It was a masterpiece of elegance, a delight to watch – unless you’re a Liverpool fan. The lofted pass by James Rodriguez and the first-time finish by Ronaldo were both moments of pure genius.
Ronaldo needs only two more goals to become the all-time top scorer in the UEFA Champions League, and he may well get them in the return match against Liverpool at the Bernabeu in two weeks’ time. On current form it would be no surprise.
If he does do it, it is unlikely he will score a better goal than this one. After a brisk opening by Liverpool, Real Madrid began to dominate in midfield. Toni Kroos was involved in helping the ball to the feet of Ronaldo about 40 yards from goal.
He took three touches, headed towards the penalty area and laid the ball off to Rodriguez, clearly confident that it would come back to him. Rodriguez controlled the ball with his right foot and hoisted it with his left over the Liverpool back line.
So fast were Ronaldo's reactions, it seemed as though he did it all in one movement. Dejan Lovren tried to connect but kicked only fresh air. Ronaldo left Martin Skrtel in his wake and, first time, hooked the ball beyond Simon Mignolet and into the net, right in front of the Real Madrid fans.
His manager, Carlo Ancelotti, says Ronaldo is “the best in the world” and it seems that even Liverpool fans agree with him. When Ronaldo was substituted a quarter of an hour before the finish, thousands of them applauded him off the field. That was a special moment.
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