Posts Tagged ‘Cristiano Ronaldo’

Ronaldo Shining

September 24th, 2009

Cristiano Ronaldo continue his dream run at Real Madrid. In doing so, he became the first player in the history of Real Madrid to score goals in the first 4 games of the season for the club. Last night Real were visiting Villareal who were hoping to stop Real’s unbeaten run in this seasons campaign, but football is not predictable. Villareal, and probably all of Spain got to know of Ronaldo’s intentions this season when in the second minute of the match, he dribbled the ball from his half, and scored a goal for Real Madrid single handedly.

Throughout the match Real looked strong, and Ronaldo looked stronger. He was simply unplayable tonight. Gonzalo was shown a 2nd yellow card of the match in the 34th minute for a foul on Kaka. This left Villareal with 10 men on the pitch for the remainder of the game. The score remained 0-1 at half time.

The second half was no different as Real kept attacking, and Villareal kept defending with 10 men. In the 71st minute, Marcelo Silva’s cross in to the box was handed by Villareal defender Lopez. This landed Lopez a yellow card, and Real Madrid was awarded a penalty kick. As Kaka had not scored a single goal in the La Liga this season, Ronaldo who is the first choice penalty taker, allowed Kaka to take the spot kick. Kaka who has a reputation of a silent killer, finished the job in the same manner and Real went up, 0-2 in the 73rd minute. The match ended 0-2 for the visitors.

Other matches of the night saw Atletico Madrid drawing 2 – 2 against Almeria, Espanyol winning 2 – 1 against Malaga, Valladolid losing 1 – 2 against Osasuna. Xerez continued their poor run this season as they lost 0 – 3 against Deportivo La Coruna in front of a home crowd, Tenerife defeated Athletic Bilbao 1-0, and Getafe won 3– 1 against Valencia.

Spanish La Liga Begins

September 1st, 2009

Real Madrid manager, Manuel Pellegrini started with as many as seven new players. All the high profile signings featured in the match against Deportivo La Coruna. Deportivo almost shocked the costliest team in the world but Real survived the scare and Diarra scored a super goal in the 60th minute to drive past Deportivo. The match also saw a goal from ex Manchester United player Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo scored a penalty after Raul was brought down in the penalty area and that’s just what was expected. Everyone go their money’s worth watching Ronaldo score at his Real debut.
Other results saw Real Zaragoza winning 1-0 against Tenerife, Almeria drawing 0-0 against Valladolid, Valencia winning 2-0 against Sevilla, Osasuna drawing 1-1 against Villarreal, Malaga winning 3-0 against Atletico Madrid, Mallorca winning 2-0 against Xerez, Athletic Bilbao winning 1-0 against Espanyol and Racing Santander was the only team in the league losing in front of their home fans 1-4 against Getafe.
The last match of the week saw Barcelona beginning to defend their league title at Camp Nou with a 3-0 win against Sporting Gijon. The match also saw summer signing, Zlatan Ibrahimovich scoring a goal for Barcelona at his league debut. Bojan began the goal scoring with a goal in the 18th minute. This was followed by Keita’s in the 42nd minute, which made it 2-0 at half time. Zlatan added a third in the 82nd minute to end the night with a 3-0 victory. Messi was rested for the match whereas Henry started as a substitute for tonight’s fixture.

Ronaldo: I am trying to keep a check on my temperament

March 11th, 2009

Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United winger, is trying his level best of curbing his temper, whenever he is playing on the field against defenders known for rough tackles.

The treatment, which Ronaldo receives from the defenders of his opposition, has again come under the scrutiny after Steven Taylor was involved in an incident involving the Portuguese International.

Ronaldo, himself, escaped punishment during this season after kicking on numerous occasions. He was involved in clashes with Andy Wilkinson (Stoke fullback) and Michael Dawson (Spurs Centre-half).

FIFA Player of the Year has accepted that oppositions are always targeting him. However, he feels confident that his battle on keeping the temperament in check will be successful.

While speaking to the Sun on the eve of their Champions League game against Inter Milan, Ronaldo said, ‘There is no denying the fact that I’m a target and hence it gets difficult for me to avoid certain situations.’

‘I do try controlling my anger. However, there are times when things get out of my control and this is where I wish to improve.’

‘Sometimes, the feeling comes out of the atmosphere in the stadium. Again, there are cases where the importance of the matches takes the front guard in me.’

‘I am only 24. Still, I’ve got enough experience of playing big games, which helps a lot as you can learn through different situations.’

‘If someone tackles me roughly, I get back to my feet and start playing again. I do not have a fear of getting kicked, as it’s part of the game. I believe that they kick for stopping me, as they do not have any other method of getting on top.’

Ronaldo: Defenders never hurt me

March 6th, 2009

Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United winger, insists that no defenders are playing the game having ill intentions of injuring him on purpose.

The challenge made by Newcastle United’s Steven Taylor on the Portuguese International just before the stroke of half time sparked an altercation that carried on during the break in the tunnel.

Even though Red Devils came on top with a 2-1 win at St. James Park, there were lots of questions that needed to be answered.

Following the tackle made on Ronaldo, there is a debate in the world of football over the playing style of the winger. Some believe that the Man U Star style is the factor that incites aggressive tackling from defenders.

According to Arsene Wenger, Arsenal Boss, Ronaldo requires protection from the Premier League referees, in case no one wishes to see a repeat of the event that took place on Wednesday.

Speaking to Daily Mail, Ronaldo dispelled the fact that defenders are always out there for roughening him up. Still, they do not wish to see him injured at any stage of the game. According to him, injuries were a part of playing in the Premier League and it cannot be completely avoided.

He said, ‘On the football pitch, I am the target for many defenders, so it is difficult for avoiding certain things.’

‘However, I do not believe that defenders are tackling on purpose. I respect the feeling that is spread through the game across the globe and I cannot expect people to compete with such an attitude and intention.’

Ribery may make a summer move to Old Trafford

March 2nd, 2009

With the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo moving to the Spanish Capital, there are rumors that Frank Ribery may be bought in as a replacement at Old Trafford.

Alain Migliaccio, Frenchman’s agent, revealed that the winger could have this blockbuster move to Manchester United, if things fall according to the plan.

The 25-year old Bayern Munich star has been linked with a move to Nou Camp in the coming summer. However, Migliaccio has now thrown United into the midst of the transfer.

With the rumors involving Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid not fading away with time, Ribery’s representative feels that the Red Devils will look to bring him in as a cover for the Portuguese Star.

Ribery has been in a wonderful form in the previous few games, with the latest being the 2 goals scored against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League. He was also responsible for assisting 2 others in a 5-0 drubbing of the home side.

Migliaccio said, ‘If Ronaldo leaves Manchester United, then Sir Alex Ferguson is surely going to look for filling the huge gap vacated by the transfer and he might have Ribery in mind for that.’

Meanwhile, Joan Laporta, Barcelona President, said that the Catalans are yet to reach an agreement for signing Ribery and denied all the rumors that were surrounding the transfer.

While speaking to L’Equipe, Laporta said ‘We are yet to speak to his representative or his entourage,’

‘If we will have a plan in the future of which Ribery is a part of, we will speak directly to his club.’

5-0 drubbing takes Red Devils three points clear of Liverpool

January 28th, 2009

Manchester United thrashed West Brom 5-0 and moved three points clear of Liverpool on the Premier League Table.

During this crushing encounter, it was Edwin van der Sar, who made BPL history by surpassing Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech 2004-05 record of 925 minutes without conceding a single goal for his team.

United also set an all new record of 11 consecutive clean sheets breaking the one set by Chelsea four years back.

First half goals were scored by Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov following a typical blunder from Scott Carson.

The match saw a harsh decision from the referee with the West Brom acting skipper Paul Robinson being shown the ninth red card of his football career.

Later in the second half, United increased their lead with two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and one from Nemanja Vidic. This drubbing allowed the Red Devils to earn their sixth successive win in the league.

United’s crushing win over West Brom has increased the pressure over Liverpool, who have been plagued with poor performances and draws in the recent past. Reds next play Wigan on Wednesday and will be looking forward to close the gap with the current league leaders.

Elsewhere, Tottenham recorded their first Premier League win in over a month, as they defeated Stoke 3-1, courtesy a series of goals at White Hart Lane in the first half.

Aston Villa moved to the third spot in the Premier league table beating Portsmouth 1-0 at Fratton Park. Emile Heskey scored his debut goal for Villa in the 20th minute of the game.

Again, Sunderland defeated Fulham 1-0 at the Theatre of Dreams and ended the club’s run of four Premier League defeats against them.

Ferguson: I will be happy with just 20

January 24th, 2009

Alex Ferguson seems convinced that his star winger, Cristiano Ronaldo, can reflect on another brilliant season, even if he ends up scoring only ‘20’ goals.

The Portuguese International reached double figures in this season after scoring through a penalty at Old Trafford against Derby earlier in this week. This goal was his first in domestic circuit since mid-November. It was an extraordinarily long run considering the standards that he sets.

Ferguson insisted that Ronaldo hasn’t been going through a patch where he lacks confidence. However, he feels that the phenomenal achievement of 42 goals in the previous term by the 23-year-old may be an unfair benchmark for him.

Scot said, ‘You always have those exceptional seasons.’

‘However, it is very much difficult to replicate the same feat every year. I remember Dutch International, Ruud van Nistelrooy, getting 44 goals in a season one year, but followed it up with 30.’

‘Ronaldo is a confident lad and believes in his abilities.’

‘This season has been tough for him. He has missed a number of chances, which he would have easily put away in the previous season. However, he is on 10 goals thus far and has the ability to score another 10.’

‘At the end of the current Premier League Season, I’m sure that he’ll be finishing the season with 20 goals, which is a fantastic comeback for a winger.’

Meanwhile, Red Devils are all charged up for their 4th Round tie against the Spurs, in spite of all the injury worries. Ferguson believes that their bench strength can still prove to be to hot too handle for Redknapp’s man at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo: I wish to continue playing for United

January 14th, 2009

Manchester United winger, Cristiano Ronaldo, insists that he wished to stay at his current club and win more silverware despite his interest in Spanish Giants, Real Madrid.

There were fresh reports that emerged in Spain yesterday, which claimed the FIFA 2008 Footballer of the Year is all set to make a move to the Bernabeau from the next season.

This came after the current Spanish Champions failed in their attempts of signing the Portuguese Star at the beginning of this season.

However, it seems that the winger’s priority is to carry on with his successful journey at the Theater of Dreams.

While speaking to a daily, Ronaldo said, ‘I know it is going to be hard, but am looking forward to achieve more than what I have till date.’

‘I feel that I can succeed in my goals here, as I have the support of many great players at United.’

‘We have the talent to dominate any club in the world. With a lot of young players including me, our future looks good. I am looking forward to be here, as I want to be a part of the success, which lies ahead for the club.’

‘For me, it is great to stay a part of such a fantastic club, as my motivations are for winning more trophies in
the coming future.’

‘I am still ambitious for success. I wish to move on in the same way and repeat the success that I have already been a part of.’

Ronaldo: I feel at home in Manchester

January 1st, 2009

Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United winger, insists that the continued speculations linking him with Real Madrid are incorrect.

Ronaldo scored 42 goals for United in the previous season and helped the Red Devils in winning both Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

His form was one of the major factors that made Real Madrid pursue him during the summer transfer season. The transfer saga, which angered Sir Alex Ferguson, ended with Spanish Giant failing in their attempts of getting Ronaldo.

However, in December, Pedro Trapote, Real Director, claimed that they have a deal in place for signing the winner of Ballon D’Or after the current season ends. However, Ronaldo has reiterated that these claims are false.

Speaking on the official website of the Red Devils, he said, ‘Speculation is always there. It’s not just me, but every top player gets surrounded by speculation.’

‘Clubs have been discussing on having me in their lineup. I think it’s normal, as I had a great time in the previous season.’

‘However, what people have been saying lately in regards to my agreement with Madrid is not true. I am happy being at Old Trafford, as the atmosphere makes me feel at home.’

Meanwhile, Ronaldo admitted that he has been under immense pressure in the current season. However, he wasn’t worried that United fans will turn against him following this rumor.

‘I think fans do not forget what you have done for the club. When I played my first game of the season against Villarreal, I felt some pressure on myself.’

‘However, the fans were good. They have been responsible in relieving the pressure that I had initially. They are the reasons why I feel at home when I am in Manchester.’

Ferguson: Ronaldo is a future legend

December 20th, 2008

Manchester United Boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, feels that everything is in the right order for Cristiano Ronaldo to move forward. According to him, the Portugal forward can become a true great of the game.

In his short career, Ronaldo has seen all his sides achieve plenty of accolades. It started following an appearance in the finals of Euro 2004 for Portugal. Then, he moved to lifting couple of Premier League wins and one Champions League trophy for the Reds Devils.

Portuguese winger has even been honored with prestigious awards including the footballer of the year and Ballon D’Or.

Ferguson said, ‘Pele scored in semifinal of the World Cup at 17, whereas Maradona started playing for Argentina at the same age. Cristiano was also 18 when he made his debut for Portugal. Signs are quite similar.’

‘What you may still not know about Ronaldo, but about the other two greats, is that they had a career, which lasted for a long time.’

Ferguson feels that Ronaldo should maintain high-levels, which earned him 42 goals in the previous year. He amassed major honors that Zinedine Zidane and Ruud Gullit achieved for assuming the mantle of greatness, which they did.

Yet, the wily Scot knows that Ronaldo is having all attributes required for reaching those heights.

‘Cristiano is wonderful. He has got the timing to get into the penalty box, ability on two-feet and you’d never associate this winger’s magnificent ability on the air. He’s quite similar to old-fashioned centre forward.’

‘There are many things going in his favor for moving ahead and becoming a legend in the game. However, only time will tell what is in store for him.’