Football: Ronaldo’s back-heel does the trick
Real Madrid register close win in La Liga.
MADRID:
Cristiano Ronaldo deflected praise from his superb, back-heeled goal as Real Madrid recorded a 1-0 win over neighbours Rayo Vallecano in the La Liga.
Portuguese superstar Ronaldo, with his back to the goal, back-heeled the ball so powerfully from 15 yards out that it evaded four Rayo defenders on its way into the left-hand corner of the net.
“A back-heel is always different,” said Ronaldo. “It was a great goal but I’m not sure if it was the best of my career — I have to see it again on television. The most important thing is the victory and the points.”
Ronaldo’s winner kept Real 10 points ahead of defending champions Barcelona who registered a 2-1 victory at Atletico Madrid after Lionel Messi hit the target with a deadly accurate free-kick. Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was confident of closing the gap with the leaders.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 28th, 2012.
Cristiano Ronaldo deflected praise from his superb, back-heeled goal as Real Madrid recorded a 1-0 win over neighbours Rayo Vallecano in the La Liga.
Portuguese superstar Ronaldo, with his back to the goal, back-heeled the ball so powerfully from 15 yards out that it evaded four Rayo defenders on its way into the left-hand corner of the net.
“A back-heel is always different,” said Ronaldo. “It was a great goal but I’m not sure if it was the best of my career — I have to see it again on television. The most important thing is the victory and the points.”
Ronaldo’s winner kept Real 10 points ahead of defending champions Barcelona who registered a 2-1 victory at Atletico Madrid after Lionel Messi hit the target with a deadly accurate free-kick. Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was confident of closing the gap with the leaders.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 28th, 2012.