Ronaldo’s tribute to Eusebio as Madrid labour past Celta

Andy West 10:18 07/01/2014
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  • 400 not out: Ronaldo scored his 399th and 400th career goals in the win over Celta.

    Cristiano Ronaldo dedicated his two goals in Real Madrid’s victory over Celta Vigo on Monday night to Portuguese legend Eusebio.

    Before the game at the Santiago Bernabeu a minute’s silence was held alongside a video showing Eusebio – who died on Sunday aged 71 – with Ronaldo and other Madrid greats such as Alfredo di Stefano.

    “I want to thank everyone, especially to all the people in Spain for the homage they have paid to Eusebio. For the Portuguese it is very important to feel the warmth shown by the Spanish people,” said Ronaldo.

    “He was someone who was very close to me and obviously my goals were dedicated to him. He helped me a lot with the national team and he is an example for us. It is very sad that we have lost one of the greatest players of all time.”

    Madrid’s breakthrough came from Karim Benzema, but the catalyst and provider was substitute Jese Rodriguez, who single-handedly transformed his team’s attacking endeavours when he was introduced after an hour.

    By that stage Celta should have been ahead, but striker Charles missed two glorious chances and Madrid – who lost Xabi Alonso to injury at half-time – sealed victory with two late strikes from Cristiano Ronaldo, taking the Portuguese superstar to 400 career goals.

    Charles had his first golden opportunity when he ran onto Augusto Fernandez’s long ball and raced unopposed towards goal, but the Brazilian striker’s shot was turned aside by Diego Lopez.

    There was little rhythm or flow to Madrid’s game, although they could have had a penalty when Pepe’s header struck David Costas’ arm.

    Celta were much more incisive and Fabian Orellana should have done better than glance a header wide after meeting Rafinha’s cross.

    The visitors threatened again when Borja Oubina stooped to send a close-range header wide from a corner, before Rafinha cut inside from the right and unleashed a shot which deflected off Pepe and flew narrowly wide.

    Madrid rallied before the interval and Ronaldo found Angel Di Maria for a curling effort that was too close to Celta keeper Yoel, but it was a poor half from Los Blancos and the interval was greeted by whistles around the Bernabeu.

    Alonso was replaced by Asier Illarramendi at the break but there was little improvement, and Rafinha continued to catch the eye with a great run down the right which led to Orellana’s shot deflecting wide.

    Then Jese entered the scene, however, and the 20-year-old could have scored with his first touch but shot straight at a relieved Yoel.

    Madrid’s sloppy play was again pardoned by Charles after 65 minutes, with the striker running onto a lovely pass from Rafinha but shooting badly wide.

    Ancelotti introduced Gareth Bale and just as the home crowd started to lose patience, the opener came as Jese again did well on the left and squared a low cross into the path of Benzema, allowing the Frenchman to stab home a first-time effort.

    Celta fought back and Nolito hit a free-kick wide before another Rafinha effort was blocked, but the previously quiet Ronaldo soon wrapped up the points.

    The Portuguese winger grabbed his first by stabbing home Dani Carvajal’s low centre, and added another inside injury time when Bale reached the byline and cut back a low cross which Ronaldo fired into the roof of the net.

    MAN OF THE MATCH (Rafinha)

    Easily the most impressive individual on display. Whether from his starting position on the right wing or the central role later on, the on-loan Barcelona playmaker oozed class. Will soon be back at the Bernabeu in the colours of his parent club.

    MATCH VERDICT

    Don’t be fooled by the scoreline – this was a worrying start to 2014 for Real Madrid. Their play lacked purpose and cohesion, suggesting Carlo Ancelotti has a lot of work to do. Jese was an exception, suggesting he is worthy of more playing time.

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