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Malmo 0-2 Real Madrid: Ronaldo marks landmark with brace
Cristiano Ronaldo equalled Raul's club goalscoring record as his double gave Real Madrid a 2-0 win at 10-man Malmo in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Portuguese star reached his 500th career goal and netted for the first time in four matches by capping off a clinical counter-attack with a lethal first-half finish.
Malmo missed a golden opportunity to equalise when Markus Rosenberg headed wide in the second half, before their chances were effectively ended when Yoshimar Yotun received a second yellow card.
Ronaldo had late chances to score a second and equal Raul's record, but in-form home goalkeeper Johan Wiland appeared to have made him wait for that honour with a string of fine saves.
However, the forward prodded home a last-minute second to draw level at the top of the Santiago Bernabeu scoring charts, meaning he will have the chance to break the record in the derby against Atletico Madrid this weekend.
The victory puts Madrid on six points from their first two Group A games, while the Swedish hosts remain pointless having lost to Paris Saint-Germain last time out.
Madrid were still without Gareth Bale, Danilo, Pepe, Sergio Ramos and James Rodriguez, while Jese Rodriguez, Marcelo and Luka Modric dropped to the substitutes' bench ahead of the crucial clash with Atletico as Alvaro Arbeloa, Casemiro and Mateo Kovacic came in.
Anton Tinnerholm and Rosenberg both forced Keylor Navas into comfortable stops from distance as Malmo made a steady start to the match.
Madrid attempted to seize control and threatened through Ronaldo, but Wiland repelled the visiting captain's effort after Karim Benzema had created the opening, before palming away a long-range shot from the lively Portuguese attacker.
On 29 minutes, the first goal of the match - and the 500th of Ronaldo's career – arrived. The home defence was criminally exposed as Madrid launched a counter-attack and the 30-year-old clinically beat Wiland after Isco had slipped his pass through the legs of the retreating Yotun.
It was almost two for Madrid shortly before half-time when Malmo failed to take multiple opportunities to head the ball clear and Dani Carvajal lashed a powerful volley against the crossbar.
The visitors continued to look the most likely to find the next goal after the break, with another chance coming when Benzema's cross was chested down by Arbeloa and Kovacic was only just off-target from the edge of the area.
Rafael Benitez made a tactical switch midway through the second half, bringing on Modric for Benzema which moved Ronaldo into a more central role.
At the other end, Malmo continued to stay in the game and wasted a golden chance to equalise.
An excellent cross from Tinnerholm on the right appeared to lay it on a plate for Rosenberg - who had found space behind Raphael Varane - to head home, but the veteran striker missed the target with his downward header.
The home side's hopes were all but over moments later when substitute Lucas Vazquez was body-checked by Yotun, who had already been booked in the first half, with the defender being handed a second yellow.
The victory was almost sealed for Madrid when Casemiro found Ronaldo, whose quickfire shot on the turn was goalbound before Wiland dived to push it to safety.
Ronaldo came even closer to equalling Raul's club goalscoring record with five minutes remaining, but Wiland made an even better save to tip his shot wide after Modric had sent his team-mate through on goal.
Not to be denied, the forward's moment finally arrived in the 90th minute. Carvajal played in Vazquez, whose square cross was converted by Ronaldo from close-range for his 323rd Madrid goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo equalled Raul's club goalscoring record as his double gave Real Madrid a 2-0 win at 10-man Malmo in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Portuguese star reached his 500th career goal and netted for the first time in four matches by capping off a clinical counter-attack with a lethal first-half finish.
Malmo missed a golden opportunity to equalise when Markus Rosenberg headed wide in the second half, before their chances were effectively ended when Yoshimar Yotun received a second yellow card.
Ronaldo had late chances to score a second and equal Raul's record, but in-form home goalkeeper Johan Wiland appeared to have made him wait for that honour with a string of fine saves.
However, the forward prodded home a last-minute second to draw level at the top of the Santiago Bernabeu scoring charts, meaning he will have the chance to break the record in the derby against Atletico Madrid this weekend.
The victory puts Madrid on six points from their first two Group A games, while the Swedish hosts remain pointless having lost to Paris Saint-Germain last time out.
Madrid were still without Gareth Bale, Danilo, Pepe, Sergio Ramos and James Rodriguez, while Jese Rodriguez, Marcelo and Luka Modric dropped to the substitutes' bench ahead of the crucial clash with Atletico as Alvaro Arbeloa, Casemiro and Mateo Kovacic came in.
Anton Tinnerholm and Rosenberg both forced Keylor Navas into comfortable stops from distance as Malmo made a steady start to the match.
Madrid attempted to seize control and threatened through Ronaldo, but Wiland repelled the visiting captain's effort after Karim Benzema had created the opening, before palming away a long-range shot from the lively Portuguese attacker.
On 29 minutes, the first goal of the match - and the 500th of Ronaldo's career – arrived. The home defence was criminally exposed as Madrid launched a counter-attack and the 30-year-old clinically beat Wiland after Isco had slipped his pass through the legs of the retreating Yotun.
It was almost two for Madrid shortly before half-time when Malmo failed to take multiple opportunities to head the ball clear and Dani Carvajal lashed a powerful volley against the crossbar.
The visitors continued to look the most likely to find the next goal after the break, with another chance coming when Benzema's cross was chested down by Arbeloa and Kovacic was only just off-target from the edge of the area.
Rafael Benitez made a tactical switch midway through the second half, bringing on Modric for Benzema which moved Ronaldo into a more central role.
At the other end, Malmo continued to stay in the game and wasted a golden chance to equalise.
An excellent cross from Tinnerholm on the right appeared to lay it on a plate for Rosenberg - who had found space behind Raphael Varane - to head home, but the veteran striker missed the target with his downward header.
The home side's hopes were all but over moments later when substitute Lucas Vazquez was body-checked by Yotun, who had already been booked in the first half, with the defender being handed a second yellow.
The victory was almost sealed for Madrid when Casemiro found Ronaldo, whose quickfire shot on the turn was goalbound before Wiland dived to push it to safety.
Ronaldo came even closer to equalling Raul's club goalscoring record with five minutes remaining, but Wiland made an even better save to tip his shot wide after Modric had sent his team-mate through on goal.
Not to be denied, the forward's moment finally arrived in the 90th minute. Carvajal played in Vazquez, whose square cross was converted by Ronaldo from close-range for his 323rd Madrid goal.
Shakhtar Donetsk 0-3 Paris Saint-Germain: Solid Parisian showing enough to see off sorry Shakhtar
Paris Saint-Germain earned a 3-0 win at Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday to preserve their perfect start to the Champions League.
Serge Aurier got himself on the end of Maxwell's cross in the seventh minute to put Laurent Blanc's side in the lead, before being key to his side's second goal, flicking on a corner for David Luiz to double their advantage.
PSG were almost made to pay for the wastefulness of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Angel Di Maria in the second half, with Alex Teixeira being denied by both Kevin Trapp and the woodwork.
But they could not find a way through PSG's back line and Ibrahimovic ensured the result by forcing Darijo Srna into scoring an own-goal as the match approached stoppage time.The Ligue 1 champions maintain their unbeaten start to the season in all competitions and keep pace with Real Madrid at the top of Group A.
The visitors made an excellent start, Aurier capitalising on poor defending from Taison to head home at the back post from fellow full-back Maxwell's floated cross.
Aurier should have had an assist to his name 10 minutes later, whipping in a delightful delivery from the right, yet Ibrahimovic somehow headed wide of an open goal.
PSG had a second soon after, although it came in a fortunate manner, the ball looping in under the bar off the thigh of Luiz after more poor marking from Shakhtar.
Di Maria should have done better shortly before the half-hour mark when, having beaten the offside trap, his tame dink was parried wide by Shakhtar stopper Andriy Pyatov.
For all PSG's domination, Shakhtar almost pulled one back on the stroke of half-time, Oleksandr Gladkiy twice missing from close range following good play from Teixeira, before Marlos fired over.Taison went close to atoning for his earlier lapse in concentration five minutes after the restart, the midfielder curling a drilled strike just wide of the right-hand upright.
Marco Verratti, typically impressive in midfield, looked destined to net his first goal of the campaign with a sumptuous half-volley, but the shot was well blocked by Olexandr Kucher.Despite Di Maria's earlier chance, Shakhtar continued to employ a high defensive line, and the Argentina winger found himself through on goal once again on the hour mark, but his chip landed on the roof of the net.
Mircea Lucescu introduced Bernard in place of Taison, and the diminutive playmaker soon made an impact, finding Gladkiy with a wonderful cross, but the forward was unable to direct his header on target.
Trapp had to be alert to deny Teixeira, who was then unfortunate not to snatch a deserved goal with a superb effort from distance that clipped off the top of the bar.
But PSG's victory was finally rounded off in the final minute of normal time, Ibrahimovic ghosting in behind Shakhtar's defence before his shot was diverted into Shakhtar's net by Srna.
Paris Saint-Germain earned a 3-0 win at Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday to preserve their perfect start to the Champions League.
Serge Aurier got himself on the end of Maxwell's cross in the seventh minute to put Laurent Blanc's side in the lead, before being key to his side's second goal, flicking on a corner for David Luiz to double their advantage.
PSG were almost made to pay for the wastefulness of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Angel Di Maria in the second half, with Alex Teixeira being denied by both Kevin Trapp and the woodwork.
But they could not find a way through PSG's back line and Ibrahimovic ensured the result by forcing Darijo Srna into scoring an own-goal as the match approached stoppage time.The Ligue 1 champions maintain their unbeaten start to the season in all competitions and keep pace with Real Madrid at the top of Group A.
The visitors made an excellent start, Aurier capitalising on poor defending from Taison to head home at the back post from fellow full-back Maxwell's floated cross.
Aurier should have had an assist to his name 10 minutes later, whipping in a delightful delivery from the right, yet Ibrahimovic somehow headed wide of an open goal.
PSG had a second soon after, although it came in a fortunate manner, the ball looping in under the bar off the thigh of Luiz after more poor marking from Shakhtar.
Di Maria should have done better shortly before the half-hour mark when, having beaten the offside trap, his tame dink was parried wide by Shakhtar stopper Andriy Pyatov.
For all PSG's domination, Shakhtar almost pulled one back on the stroke of half-time, Oleksandr Gladkiy twice missing from close range following good play from Teixeira, before Marlos fired over.Taison went close to atoning for his earlier lapse in concentration five minutes after the restart, the midfielder curling a drilled strike just wide of the right-hand upright.
Marco Verratti, typically impressive in midfield, looked destined to net his first goal of the campaign with a sumptuous half-volley, but the shot was well blocked by Olexandr Kucher.Despite Di Maria's earlier chance, Shakhtar continued to employ a high defensive line, and the Argentina winger found himself through on goal once again on the hour mark, but his chip landed on the roof of the net.
Mircea Lucescu introduced Bernard in place of Taison, and the diminutive playmaker soon made an impact, finding Gladkiy with a wonderful cross, but the forward was unable to direct his header on target.
Trapp had to be alert to deny Teixeira, who was then unfortunate not to snatch a deserved goal with a superb effort from distance that clipped off the top of the bar.
But PSG's victory was finally rounded off in the final minute of normal time, Ibrahimovic ghosting in behind Shakhtar's defence before his shot was diverted into Shakhtar's net by Srna.
Juan Mata has revealed that he is now Manchester United's primary penalty taker, ahead of Wayne Rooney, with the Spaniard having scored from the spot in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Wolfsburg.
The former Chelsea playmaker stepped up to slot home past Diego Benaglio in the 34th minute, levelling the Champions League clash at Old Trafford at the time, with Daniel Caligiuri having given the visitors the lead.
And now Mata, who also set-up United's winner with an extravagant flick into Chris Smalling's path, has revealed that Louis van Gaal has decided he is now the club's penalty taker, ahead of skipper Rooney.
Mata told BT Sport: "The manager makes a list of penalty takers and I'm the first right now so I have confidence.
"It was a very tough game. We were defending in the last minutes because we were physically very tired. They were pushing and pushing but I think we did what we had to do which was win after the first game that we lost in Holland, and we are happy today."
Scholes defends Rooney after 'bad night' against Wolfsburg
Paul Scholes has leapt to the defence of Wayne Rooney after the Manchester United captain's disappointing performance in Wednesday's 2-1 Champions League win over Wolfsburg.
The United striker, who has scored just once in the Premier League this season, missed a key opportunity to equalise, hitting over from 8-yards out following a fine dribble and pull-back from Anthony Martial.
But despite a lacklustre night in front of goal at Old Trafford, his former team-mate-turned pundit Scholes was defiant in his support.
He told BT Sport: "Who cares about social media? I don't.
"He didn't have his best night, we all saw that, but we know what Wayne's capable of, if he plays a full season he's going to score 20-25 goals."
United travel to north London this weekend to take on Arsenal in the league and Scholes believes Rooney has the ability to make amends for not finding the back of the net.
"It probably wasn't his best night but he's the type of player that can have a bad night and then go and score two or three goals on Sunday - lets hope he does that."
Paul Scholes has leapt to the defence of Wayne Rooney after the Manchester United captain's disappointing performance in Wednesday's 2-1 Champions League win over Wolfsburg.
The United striker, who has scored just once in the Premier League this season, missed a key opportunity to equalise, hitting over from 8-yards out following a fine dribble and pull-back from Anthony Martial.
But despite a lacklustre night in front of goal at Old Trafford, his former team-mate-turned pundit Scholes was defiant in his support.
He told BT Sport: "Who cares about social media? I don't.
"He didn't have his best night, we all saw that, but we know what Wayne's capable of, if he plays a full season he's going to score 20-25 goals."
United travel to north London this weekend to take on Arsenal in the league and Scholes believes Rooney has the ability to make amends for not finding the back of the net.
"It probably wasn't his best night but he's the type of player that can have a bad night and then go and score two or three goals on Sunday - lets hope he does that."
Allegri: I always believed in Juventus
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says he has ignored the criticism levelled at him in recent weeks and praised his side's defence following their 2-0 victory over Sevilla on Wednesday.
The Italian champions beat their Spanish opponents thanks to goals from Alvaro Morata and Simone Zaza to go top of Group D on maximum points despite a troubled start to their domestic season.
However, it was the rearguard's display that Allegri singled out for special praise, with the 48-year-old stating he always had confidence in himself and his team.
"I have no stone in my shoe," he told reporters after the match. "I believe in what I do; why should I worry? "Tonight was the first step of a team that has to play at great levels. I was very happy with these guys, who want to grow and manage the game.
"Over the past five years at Juventus and AC Milan I got good results, thanks to the players. The lads put in a good performance tactically, technically and defensively.
"Sevilla are a very solid team and dangerous in attack, but when the lads are open to working hard and sacrificing themselves for the team, we can do well.
"If you keep the ball it is easier to play, attack and defend. We still have to improve this aspect, but it is getting better."
Goalscorer Morata also revealed his delight at scoring yet again in the Champions League this season, and talked up his emerging partnership with summer arrival Paulo Dybala.
"I am happy to have scored a goal, but above all for the victory of the team," the Spaniard told reporters. "I haven’t been playing alongside Dybala for long, but we have an excellent rapport and spend a lot of time together off the field too.
"Today we tried a couple of moves, we have to continue working and in the end we’ll find the right spaces."
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says he has ignored the criticism levelled at him in recent weeks and praised his side's defence following their 2-0 victory over Sevilla on Wednesday.
The Italian champions beat their Spanish opponents thanks to goals from Alvaro Morata and Simone Zaza to go top of Group D on maximum points despite a troubled start to their domestic season.
However, it was the rearguard's display that Allegri singled out for special praise, with the 48-year-old stating he always had confidence in himself and his team.
"I have no stone in my shoe," he told reporters after the match. "I believe in what I do; why should I worry? "Tonight was the first step of a team that has to play at great levels. I was very happy with these guys, who want to grow and manage the game.
"Over the past five years at Juventus and AC Milan I got good results, thanks to the players. The lads put in a good performance tactically, technically and defensively.
"Sevilla are a very solid team and dangerous in attack, but when the lads are open to working hard and sacrificing themselves for the team, we can do well.
"If you keep the ball it is easier to play, attack and defend. We still have to improve this aspect, but it is getting better."
Goalscorer Morata also revealed his delight at scoring yet again in the Champions League this season, and talked up his emerging partnership with summer arrival Paulo Dybala.
"I am happy to have scored a goal, but above all for the victory of the team," the Spaniard told reporters. "I haven’t been playing alongside Dybala for long, but we have an excellent rapport and spend a lot of time together off the field too.
"Today we tried a couple of moves, we have to continue working and in the end we’ll find the right spaces."
Benitez wants MORE from Ronaldo after 501st goal: I hope he has no ceiling!
Rafa Benitez hopes there’s plenty more to come from Cristiano Ronaldo after the Real Madrid forward’s brace in his side’s 2-0 win over Malmo in the Champions League brought up three more milestones.
His first goal in Sweden on Wednesday took him to 500 career goals, with his second strike moving him on to 67 Champions League goals — one more than Raul Gonzalez, Madrid’s record goalscorer in the competition.
It was also his 323rd goal since joining Los Blancos from Manchester United in 2009, which draws him level with Raul as the club’s all-time record goalscorer.
“He has overtaken Raul, who was a phenomenon, so that tells you how many goals he has scored,” Benitez said of the Portuguese international's European record, before urging him to keep on scoring.
“I hope he has no ceiling. I said that [his place in the team] is not in doubt. He has scored more goals in less time than the others [who have played for Madrid] and that gives more value to what he’s achieved.”
Benitez was keen to stress the significance of Ronaldo’s second goal against Malmo, which ensured Madrid won their second successive Champions League game, as it came at a time when the Swedish side looked on the front foot.
“[Malmo] were throwing a lot of people forward and playing a lot of long balls,” the Madrid boss added. “Anything could have happened. That is why it was important to get the second goal.”
Ronaldo will have the chance to move ahead of Raul in Madrid's history books in Sunday's derby match against Atletico Madrid.
Rafa Benitez hopes there’s plenty more to come from Cristiano Ronaldo after the Real Madrid forward’s brace in his side’s 2-0 win over Malmo in the Champions League brought up three more milestones.
His first goal in Sweden on Wednesday took him to 500 career goals, with his second strike moving him on to 67 Champions League goals — one more than Raul Gonzalez, Madrid’s record goalscorer in the competition.
It was also his 323rd goal since joining Los Blancos from Manchester United in 2009, which draws him level with Raul as the club’s all-time record goalscorer.
“He has overtaken Raul, who was a phenomenon, so that tells you how many goals he has scored,” Benitez said of the Portuguese international's European record, before urging him to keep on scoring.
“I hope he has no ceiling. I said that [his place in the team] is not in doubt. He has scored more goals in less time than the others [who have played for Madrid] and that gives more value to what he’s achieved.”
Benitez was keen to stress the significance of Ronaldo’s second goal against Malmo, which ensured Madrid won their second successive Champions League game, as it came at a time when the Swedish side looked on the front foot.
“[Malmo] were throwing a lot of people forward and playing a lot of long balls,” the Madrid boss added. “Anything could have happened. That is why it was important to get the second goal.”
Ronaldo will have the chance to move ahead of Raul in Madrid's history books in Sunday's derby match against Atletico Madrid.
Who needs Wayne Rooney? Reinvented Mata is Man Utd's hero yet again
Juan Mata was once considered the best No.10 in English football as he dazzled and delighted during his time at Chelsea. And on Wednesday he delivered the latest in a string of fantastic performances which have helped to make up for the slump of Manchester United's own No.10.
United's 2-1 victory over Wolfsburg in Group B of the Champions League encapsulated the form of both Mata and Wayne Rooney. While the Spaniard scored one goal and made the other with a magnificent piece of artistry, the England captain was again a shadow of his former self as he blazed an easy chance over the bar and struggled to get into the game in the final third.
Mata has been United's one real constant this season. While Louis van Gaal switched between options before Anthony Martial's arrival, Memphis Depay has found it hard hitting his stride in his early days at the club, with Rooney struggling to find his flow. But the 27-year-old Spaniard has had no problem expressing himself in a side which are slowly putting together results if not convincing performances. Whenever United needed something on Wednesday, they turned to Mata and he delivered.
After Daniel Caligiuri stunned Old Trafford by walking through United's defence and slotting past David de Gea, the home side looked for some inspiration. And they found it from the man starting on the right side of the attack. He asked constant questions of left-back Ricardo Rodriguez, and when he got on the end of Matteo Darmian's delicious cross it was only a scrambling diving header from Dante which denied him an equaliser. He would bring the scores level soon after though, converting coolly from the penalty spot after his own cross was blocked by Caligiuri's arm.
And he didn't stop there. Mata continued to ask questions of the Wolfsburg back-line, and when they thought they'd found solutions he had something else up his sleeve. After a half-cleared corner met him with his back to goal he produced a sensational side-foot flicked pass over the Germans' defence and straight into the path of Chris Smalling.
After the England man slid home the winner, team-mates rightly went running to Mata to give their congratulations. This game was typical of the midfielder's growing influence in this team. In so many games already this season he has been the man to turn to in United's hour of need. He might not wear the No.10 and may well not start in the central position, but he is the go-to man for Manchester United.
Van Gaal, the hard task-master that he is, claimed afterwards that this was not one of the Spaniard's better performances. "I don't speak about individual performances, but I have seen Mata playing better than today," he said. "I can say as a manager that he played very well and agree with you, but I don't agree with you."
Whatever Van Gaal claims, Mata is United's go-to forward right now. Martial has been a great addition, but will require more time to become the rounded striker he is expected to eventually be. Depay, meanwhile, still needs to adjust properly to the demands placed on him in the hustle and bustle of a Premier League environment.
And Rooney, well... he just isn't up to scratch at the moment. The latest listless performance from the United skipper will certainly worry Van Gaal privately, no matter what he claims publicly.
But for as long as Mata keeps standing up tall and asking for the ball, they will have more time to help get Rooney back on track. While the skipper missed an open goal and was then seen more in the United penalty area than Wolfsburg's, United's little Spanish maestro is the real difference-maker. It was he who led the charge against Liverpool too.
It was also Mata who forged the opening to get United into the game against Southampton then finished a 45-pass move for the winner. It was Mata who shone brightest and netted at the weekend against Sunderland. And it was Mata who was the main man again as United made up for their previous defeat in the Champions League. Few would argue there is a better No.10 in the English game right now, even if Van Gaal still won't play him there.
Ronaldo in spiky rant at world's press: I am not obliged to speak!
Cristiano Ronaldo broke his own media ban to criticise the world’s press after bringing up 500 career goals with a brace in Real Madrid’s win over Malmo in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old has not spoken publicly for nearly six months after growing tired of the way his comments and personal life were often reported.
However, after bringing up even more goalscoring milestones, including moving level with Raul as Real's all-time top scorer with 323, he decided the time was right to end his silence.
“When I don’t speak with the press it’s because something’s not going well,” he explained in an interview with El Partido de las 12.
“Everyone can think what they want. I don’t speak with the press more because the questions aren’t good, that’s why. Why do you ask about things that happened five or six months ago?
“Ask me about today, not things from a while ago. Why do I always have to speak? I am not obliged to speak. If I don’t speak, another [player] does.”
Ronaldo highlighted his latest goal scoring feats, claiming he never imagined he would match club legend Raul's record figure following his arrival from Manchester United in 2009.
He added: “I’m really happy to become the [joint] record goalscorer in the history of Madrid — it’s not something I expected when I arrived. I am satisfied with the record and I’ve already spoken with Raul. He phoned to say congratulations.”
Finally, the Portuguese star stated that he is content in the Spanish capital, although he refused to rule out a possible move in the future.
“I don’t know what can happen, but in this moment I am fine, I am happy here,” he responded to questions about one day leaving the Santiago Bernabeu.
“My relationship with the manager [Rafa Benitez] and with the president [Florentino Perez] is good. I’ve always got on well with both of them. I’m good here, but I don’t know what can happen in the future. I don’t know.”
Cristiano Ronaldo broke his own media ban to criticise the world’s press after bringing up 500 career goals with a brace in Real Madrid’s win over Malmo in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old has not spoken publicly for nearly six months after growing tired of the way his comments and personal life were often reported.
However, after bringing up even more goalscoring milestones, including moving level with Raul as Real's all-time top scorer with 323, he decided the time was right to end his silence.
“When I don’t speak with the press it’s because something’s not going well,” he explained in an interview with El Partido de las 12.
“Everyone can think what they want. I don’t speak with the press more because the questions aren’t good, that’s why. Why do you ask about things that happened five or six months ago?
“Ask me about today, not things from a while ago. Why do I always have to speak? I am not obliged to speak. If I don’t speak, another [player] does.”
Ronaldo highlighted his latest goal scoring feats, claiming he never imagined he would match club legend Raul's record figure following his arrival from Manchester United in 2009.
He added: “I’m really happy to become the [joint] record goalscorer in the history of Madrid — it’s not something I expected when I arrived. I am satisfied with the record and I’ve already spoken with Raul. He phoned to say congratulations.”
Finally, the Portuguese star stated that he is content in the Spanish capital, although he refused to rule out a possible move in the future.
“I don’t know what can happen, but in this moment I am fine, I am happy here,” he responded to questions about one day leaving the Santiago Bernabeu.
“My relationship with the manager [Rafa Benitez] and with the president [Florentino Perez] is good. I’ve always got on well with both of them. I’m good here, but I don’t know what can happen in the future. I don’t know.”
Van Gaal: I've seen Mata play even better!
Louis van Gaal has refused to single Juan Mata out for praise despite the midfielder's starring role in Manchester United's 2-1 win over Wolfsburg on Wednesday.
The Spain international converted a penalty and set up the winner for Chris Smalling as the Red Devils recovered from a Caligiuri goal in the fourth minute to beat the German side in the Champions League group clash.
Despite Mata's decisiveness in the game, Van Gaal was adamant that he is capable of even better and would not praise him highly in his post-match press conference.
"I don't talk about individual performances, but I have seen Mata playing better than he did against Wolfsburg," he told reporters when asked about Mata's performance.
"I can say as a manager that he played very well and agree with you, but I don't agree with you."
The Dutchman was pleased with many aspects of his side's display but feels they must remain grounded as they look to build on their first win of the Champions League campaign.
"In the first half I was very pleased with my team - not the first five mins of course - but when you can do that when you are behind, and create so many open chances, you are unlucky.
"But then we went out for the second half and we continue with our spirit and we created a beautiful goal I think. But after that we were not good anymore and that is remarkable because we have held onto the ball very well in the last five or six matches.
"I think we have given a lot in the first half to come back in the game. The team spirit kept us in the match.
"We have to keep our feet on the ground, and we have to improve a lot to be near the top of Europe. We have beaten Wolfsburg but we have to improve, we know that.
"That's why we are here - to improve ourselves and to win every game. We have won today but it could have been better. We deserved to win because we create many more chances than Wolfsburg today."
The coach was happy with Smalling's display, insisting he did more than score the crucial equaliser.
"Smalling had a very good match, especially defensively. And the way he scored a goal was outstanding, especially for a defender, and especially for him because he has not been doing that so much."
Louis van Gaal has refused to single Juan Mata out for praise despite the midfielder's starring role in Manchester United's 2-1 win over Wolfsburg on Wednesday.
The Spain international converted a penalty and set up the winner for Chris Smalling as the Red Devils recovered from a Caligiuri goal in the fourth minute to beat the German side in the Champions League group clash.
Despite Mata's decisiveness in the game, Van Gaal was adamant that he is capable of even better and would not praise him highly in his post-match press conference.
"I don't talk about individual performances, but I have seen Mata playing better than he did against Wolfsburg," he told reporters when asked about Mata's performance.
"I can say as a manager that he played very well and agree with you, but I don't agree with you."
The Dutchman was pleased with many aspects of his side's display but feels they must remain grounded as they look to build on their first win of the Champions League campaign.
"In the first half I was very pleased with my team - not the first five mins of course - but when you can do that when you are behind, and create so many open chances, you are unlucky.
"But then we went out for the second half and we continue with our spirit and we created a beautiful goal I think. But after that we were not good anymore and that is remarkable because we have held onto the ball very well in the last five or six matches.
"I think we have given a lot in the first half to come back in the game. The team spirit kept us in the match.
"We have to keep our feet on the ground, and we have to improve a lot to be near the top of Europe. We have beaten Wolfsburg but we have to improve, we know that.
"That's why we are here - to improve ourselves and to win every game. We have won today but it could have been better. We deserved to win because we create many more chances than Wolfsburg today."
The coach was happy with Smalling's display, insisting he did more than score the crucial equaliser.
"Smalling had a very good match, especially defensively. And the way he scored a goal was outstanding, especially for a defender, and especially for him because he has not been doing that so much."
Jardim: I'm not surprised by Martial's performances
Monaco head coach Leonardo Jardim is unsurprised by Anthony Martial's flying start to life at Manchester United.
The 19-year-old became the most expensive teenager in history after agreeing to a £36m move to Old Trafford and has made a strong start to life in England, netting four goals in his opening six appearances.
And manager Jardim insists Martial's performances are a testament to the work done by Monaco's coaches on the training ground.
"We worked with Anthony Martial on his physical and mental attributes," the former Sporting Lisbon boss said. "I'm not surprised by his performances."
The principality club, owned by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, has seen several high profile transfers since the takeover in 2011 but Jardim says the club maintain their focus on producing high quality young players.
"We work hard to make sure our young players reach the top European level."
Monaco head coach Leonardo Jardim is unsurprised by Anthony Martial's flying start to life at Manchester United.
The 19-year-old became the most expensive teenager in history after agreeing to a £36m move to Old Trafford and has made a strong start to life in England, netting four goals in his opening six appearances.
And manager Jardim insists Martial's performances are a testament to the work done by Monaco's coaches on the training ground.
"We worked with Anthony Martial on his physical and mental attributes," the former Sporting Lisbon boss said. "I'm not surprised by his performances."
The principality club, owned by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, has seen several high profile transfers since the takeover in 2011 but Jardim says the club maintain their focus on producing high quality young players.
"We work hard to make sure our young players reach the top European level."
Pellegrini & Hart disagree over merits of 'lucky' Manchester City victory
Manuel Pellegrini and goalkeeper Joe Hart both acknowleged that Manchester City enjoyed more than their share of luck aftter coming from behind to beat Borussia Monchengladbach 2-1 on Wednesday, but disagreed over the merits of the victory.
Hart saved a penalty from Raffael and made a string of fine saves as the Bundesliga club raced out of the traps and threatened to inflict City's second consecutive Champions League defeat.
But when Lars Stindl opened the scoring in the 54th minute, City showed their mettle to bounce back from a run of three defeats in four games to turn the game on its head, as Nicolas Otamendi pulled them level before a late Sergio Aguero penalty secured the three points.
Despite the fight back, Pellegrini was not pleased with his side's showing at Borussia Park and admitted his men did not deserve the victory.
"I think that was a strange game," Pellegrini told BT Sport. "During 65 minutes I think both teams had chances to score. They played better than we did, especially in defence as we didn't defend well, but after that I think we had some reaction.
"In the last 30 minutes we improved a lot and finally we won. Borussia played very, very well.
"Joe made some brilliant saves, but maybe by the 65th minute, they could have been winning 3-2, or it could even have been 4-4 or 3-3 - there were so many chances for both teams.
"But after that I think we dominated the game, we had a lot of chances, they made a very good save and finally with a little bit of luck we won this game. Of all of these games we had before - against Juventus, against West Ham, against Tottenham - I don't think we deserved to lose but we did. Against Gladbach, I don't think we deserved to win, but we won."
Hart, meanwhile, did believe his team deserved to take all three points but admitted that they rode their luck at times and had to rely on Aguero to dig them out of a hole with his first goal in the Champions League or Premier League since mid-August.
"We didn't play well," he conceded. "We were really disjointed, as we have been in the last couple of games in the Premier League, we've had a good half and a bad half and we've done that here.
"I still think we deserved to win. I think they made more of the chances they created, making me work, but I still think we deserve to win; we had some really good chances. It came late but Kun's a cool guy, no matter how many goals, whether he's scoring 10 or none, he will score."
And the goalkeeper was happy to do things the hard way for now, but says things must change in the future: "I think if you speak to our fans, it's kind of the way we do things. It's something that
Manuel Pellegrini and goalkeeper Joe Hart both acknowleged that Manchester City enjoyed more than their share of luck aftter coming from behind to beat Borussia Monchengladbach 2-1 on Wednesday, but disagreed over the merits of the victory.
Hart saved a penalty from Raffael and made a string of fine saves as the Bundesliga club raced out of the traps and threatened to inflict City's second consecutive Champions League defeat.
But when Lars Stindl opened the scoring in the 54th minute, City showed their mettle to bounce back from a run of three defeats in four games to turn the game on its head, as Nicolas Otamendi pulled them level before a late Sergio Aguero penalty secured the three points.
Despite the fight back, Pellegrini was not pleased with his side's showing at Borussia Park and admitted his men did not deserve the victory.
"I think that was a strange game," Pellegrini told BT Sport. "During 65 minutes I think both teams had chances to score. They played better than we did, especially in defence as we didn't defend well, but after that I think we had some reaction.
"In the last 30 minutes we improved a lot and finally we won. Borussia played very, very well.
"Joe made some brilliant saves, but maybe by the 65th minute, they could have been winning 3-2, or it could even have been 4-4 or 3-3 - there were so many chances for both teams.
"But after that I think we dominated the game, we had a lot of chances, they made a very good save and finally with a little bit of luck we won this game. Of all of these games we had before - against Juventus, against West Ham, against Tottenham - I don't think we deserved to lose but we did. Against Gladbach, I don't think we deserved to win, but we won."
Hart, meanwhile, did believe his team deserved to take all three points but admitted that they rode their luck at times and had to rely on Aguero to dig them out of a hole with his first goal in the Champions League or Premier League since mid-August.
"We didn't play well," he conceded. "We were really disjointed, as we have been in the last couple of games in the Premier League, we've had a good half and a bad half and we've done that here.
"I still think we deserved to win. I think they made more of the chances they created, making me work, but I still think we deserve to win; we had some really good chances. It came late but Kun's a cool guy, no matter how many goals, whether he's scoring 10 or none, he will score."
And the goalkeeper was happy to do things the hard way for now, but says things must change in the future: "I think if you speak to our fans, it's kind of the way we do things. It's something that
Beckham backs AC Milan to win Champions League - despite them not qualifying!
He may have shaken off his reputation for not being the brightest player in the game in recent years, but David Beckham is still prone to a footballing gaffe.
The ex-England captain, who won the Champions League with Manchester United in 1999, was asked at the opening of an Adidas store in Dubai this week who he thought would win this year's tournament.
Former clubs United and Paris Saint-Germain were predictably among his selections, but his inclusion of AC Milan - who failed to qualify following a dismal 2014-15 Serie A campaign - left many fans baffled.
"Who do I fancy? Who do I want to win is a different story to who I think is going to win. Or maybe it's not actually," he told Sport360 .
"I'm going to have to say Man United, PSG, AC Milan - one of those three I'd like to see win."
He may have shaken off his reputation for not being the brightest player in the game in recent years, but David Beckham is still prone to a footballing gaffe.
The ex-England captain, who won the Champions League with Manchester United in 1999, was asked at the opening of an Adidas store in Dubai this week who he thought would win this year's tournament.
Former clubs United and Paris Saint-Germain were predictably among his selections, but his inclusion of AC Milan - who failed to qualify following a dismal 2014-15 Serie A campaign - left many fans baffled.
"Who do I fancy? Who do I want to win is a different story to who I think is going to win. Or maybe it's not actually," he told Sport360 .
"I'm going to have to say Man United, PSG, AC Milan - one of those three I'd like to see win."
Arsenal & Barcelona slip as Bayern climb Uefa's rankings
Arsenal and Barcelona's under-par starts to the Champions League has seen them fall down Uefa's club rankings following the opening two matches of the group stages.
The Gunners are yet to register a point after defeats to Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiacos, and as a consequence have slipped to 10th behind Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.
Barca, meanwhile, may have beaten Bayer Leverkusen on matchday two, but their draw with Roma during the opening week of games coupled with Bayern Munich's 100 per cent record has seen the Bundesliga champions leapfrog them into second place.
Further down the table, Porto and Valencia have taken advantage of Schalke's failure to qualify for the Champions League to climb to 11th and 12th respectively while Manchester City have overtaken Basel into 17th.
The rankings, which are based on performance in European competition over the past five seasons and determine seedings for both the Champions League and Europa League draws, are headed by Real Madrid with Chelsea and Atletico Madrid joining Barca and Bayern in the top five.
Arsenal and Barcelona's under-par starts to the Champions League has seen them fall down Uefa's club rankings following the opening two matches of the group stages.
The Gunners are yet to register a point after defeats to Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiacos, and as a consequence have slipped to 10th behind Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.
Barca, meanwhile, may have beaten Bayer Leverkusen on matchday two, but their draw with Roma during the opening week of games coupled with Bayern Munich's 100 per cent record has seen the Bundesliga champions leapfrog them into second place.
Further down the table, Porto and Valencia have taken advantage of Schalke's failure to qualify for the Champions League to climb to 11th and 12th respectively while Manchester City have overtaken Basel into 17th.
The rankings, which are based on performance in European competition over the past five seasons and determine seedings for both the Champions League and Europa League draws, are headed by Real Madrid with Chelsea and Atletico Madrid joining Barca and Bayern in the top five.
Lahm: Gotze is not lazy in training
Bayern Munich stalwart Phillipp Lahm has defended Mario Gotze, stating that the forward trains as hard as any member of the German champions' squad, despite suggestions to the contrary.
Gotze was on target for Die Roten during the club's 5-0 Champions League demolition of Dinamo Zagreb, but has often struggled to reproduce his Dortmund form since moving to the Allianz Arena.
His team-mate, however, assured that it was not for want of effort.
"Mario had a lot of games, also in the last season. The accusation that he is lazy in training, I can absolutely refute," the Bayern captain told Sport.de
"I see him every day and he is one of the most diligent in terms of preparation for training and regeneration afterwards.
"He is very young, but has already experienced a lot. When so much criticism breaks on such a young player, it's not easy. We have done our best as a team to support him, he is fully integrated.
"We know how important he is. He has shown it not only last year, but also this season. He can make the difference. He knows that, so I am not worried about Mario.
Bayern Munich stalwart Phillipp Lahm has defended Mario Gotze, stating that the forward trains as hard as any member of the German champions' squad, despite suggestions to the contrary.
Gotze was on target for Die Roten during the club's 5-0 Champions League demolition of Dinamo Zagreb, but has often struggled to reproduce his Dortmund form since moving to the Allianz Arena.
His team-mate, however, assured that it was not for want of effort.
"Mario had a lot of games, also in the last season. The accusation that he is lazy in training, I can absolutely refute," the Bayern captain told Sport.de
"I see him every day and he is one of the most diligent in terms of preparation for training and regeneration afterwards.
"He is very young, but has already experienced a lot. When so much criticism breaks on such a young player, it's not easy. We have done our best as a team to support him, he is fully integrated.
"We know how important he is. He has shown it not only last year, but also this season. He can make the difference. He knows that, so I am not worried about Mario.
Jones eyeing Man Utd starting berth
Manchester United defender Phil Jones is eyeing a starting berth as he continues his recovery from injury.
The England international came off the bench for the third successive match during the Red Devils' Champions League win over Wolfsburg after missing the first month of the season with mild thrombosis.
And having proved his fitness, the former Blackburn Rovers man is keen to regain his place in the starting XI, despite United's fine start to the season.
Chris Smalling and Daley Blind have been paired in central defence impressively so far this campaign, but with Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo both injured, Jones is hopeful he can force his way into the reckoning.
"I am fit," he told MUTV. "I got 20 or 25 minutes against Ipswich, 20 minutes against Sunderland and just under 20 minutes tonight [against Wolfsburg], so I am slowly getting back to it and getting my fitness back, and my sharpness back.
"I feel good, so hopefully I can just stay fit and integrate my way back into the side."
Manchester United defender Phil Jones is eyeing a starting berth as he continues his recovery from injury.
The England international came off the bench for the third successive match during the Red Devils' Champions League win over Wolfsburg after missing the first month of the season with mild thrombosis.
And having proved his fitness, the former Blackburn Rovers man is keen to regain his place in the starting XI, despite United's fine start to the season.
Chris Smalling and Daley Blind have been paired in central defence impressively so far this campaign, but with Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo both injured, Jones is hopeful he can force his way into the reckoning.
"I am fit," he told MUTV. "I got 20 or 25 minutes against Ipswich, 20 minutes against Sunderland and just under 20 minutes tonight [against Wolfsburg], so I am slowly getting back to it and getting my fitness back, and my sharpness back.
"I feel good, so hopefully I can just stay fit and integrate my way back into the side."
Hodgson explains Alli's England call up... and Sturridge's snub
England boss Roy Hodgson has described Dele Alli as "an exciting talent" after he handed the Tottenham man a first senior call-up to the England squad.
The 19-year-old midfielder only made his debut for the Under-21s last month but has been rewarded for his form for Mauricio Pochettino's side so far this season.
Liverpool striker Danny Ings has also been given a spot after an encouraging start to his Anfield career, but team-mate Daniel Sturridge is left out despite his two goals in the win over Aston Villa.
With England having already qualified for the Euro 2016 finals, Hodgson believes the final two games with Estonia and Lithuania represent the perfect chance for the new boys to impress.
"Danny is someone we followed with the Under-21s last year and this was a good opportunity to bring him in after he was scoring goals for Liverpool," he said.
"Dele is the more offbeat one because he is so young but we have been impressed by what we have seen of him, he's an exciting talent.
"We think it's better for Daniel Sturridge to concentrate on what is essentially a pre-season with Liverpool. We hope to see a player in good form next month.
"Where we have been hit harder is in midfield, with a number of players missing in that area. Adam Lallana's return is good news.
"The game in Lithuania is where we will possibly experiment a little more. But we want to win both games and finish with a perfect record."
Hodgson admitted the double leg fracture suffered by Luke Shaw was "cruel" with the Manchester United man unlikely to return to action until March at the earliest.
"Luke knows how much we care about him and we had really high hopes for him in 2016 being our left-back. It's a cruel blow," he said.
Aston Villa rising star Jack Grealish pledged his international future to England this week, though he remains ineligible to play for the senior side at present.
Hodgson has now urged the 20-year-old to continue to impress at club level in order to secure a place in the set-up.
"I am very pleased. I think it is the right decision. He is English, albeit with distant Irish roots. I think he has the talent to become an England player," Hodgson added.
"I was happy he took the bolder decision and what matters now is how he does for Villa. He is aware of that. I was keen to point out that there were no guarantees for him with England."
England boss Roy Hodgson has described Dele Alli as "an exciting talent" after he handed the Tottenham man a first senior call-up to the England squad.
The 19-year-old midfielder only made his debut for the Under-21s last month but has been rewarded for his form for Mauricio Pochettino's side so far this season.
Liverpool striker Danny Ings has also been given a spot after an encouraging start to his Anfield career, but team-mate Daniel Sturridge is left out despite his two goals in the win over Aston Villa.
With England having already qualified for the Euro 2016 finals, Hodgson believes the final two games with Estonia and Lithuania represent the perfect chance for the new boys to impress.
"Danny is someone we followed with the Under-21s last year and this was a good opportunity to bring him in after he was scoring goals for Liverpool," he said.
"Dele is the more offbeat one because he is so young but we have been impressed by what we have seen of him, he's an exciting talent.
"We think it's better for Daniel Sturridge to concentrate on what is essentially a pre-season with Liverpool. We hope to see a player in good form next month.
"Where we have been hit harder is in midfield, with a number of players missing in that area. Adam Lallana's return is good news.
"The game in Lithuania is where we will possibly experiment a little more. But we want to win both games and finish with a perfect record."
Hodgson admitted the double leg fracture suffered by Luke Shaw was "cruel" with the Manchester United man unlikely to return to action until March at the earliest.
"Luke knows how much we care about him and we had really high hopes for him in 2016 being our left-back. It's a cruel blow," he said.
Aston Villa rising star Jack Grealish pledged his international future to England this week, though he remains ineligible to play for the senior side at present.
Hodgson has now urged the 20-year-old to continue to impress at club level in order to secure a place in the set-up.
"I am very pleased. I think it is the right decision. He is English, albeit with distant Irish roots. I think he has the talent to become an England player," Hodgson added.
"I was happy he took the bolder decision and what matters now is how he does for Villa. He is aware of that. I was keen to point out that there were no guarantees for him with England."
Arsenal are technically the Premier League's best - Van Gaal
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has described Arsenal as the best "technical and tactical" team in the Premier League ahead of their meeting on Sunday.
The league leaders travel to the Emirates Stadium for a crucial clash and the Dutchman acknowledged the quality of his side's opponents - despite them losing three of their last five matches in all competitions.
However, he did say Arsenal needed to improve as they should have won more in recent years given the quality Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has at his disposal.
"Arsenal are technically and tactically the best team in the league," said the 64-year-old.
"Nevertheless, they haven't won so much, so you have to look for that improvement with that team.
"We are happy but I think Arsenal can come back from a defeat. They have shown that a lot of times."
Van Gaal claimed his players were already starting to look tired following a busy run of fixtures, having battled to a 2-1 Champions League win over Wolfsburg on Wednesday in Europe.
"The solution is recovery, recovery, recovery," he continued. "That is why it is so difficult to prepare for the match against Arsenal.
"We have to see how the evaluation is from my fatigue specialist."
Van Gaal also revealed key midfielder Michael Carrick has been passed fit to play in the game.
He added: "Carrick can play so I have a choice. I am happy to say that there are no injuries from Wednesday night."
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has described Arsenal as the best "technical and tactical" team in the Premier League ahead of their meeting on Sunday.
The league leaders travel to the Emirates Stadium for a crucial clash and the Dutchman acknowledged the quality of his side's opponents - despite them losing three of their last five matches in all competitions.
However, he did say Arsenal needed to improve as they should have won more in recent years given the quality Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has at his disposal.
"Arsenal are technically and tactically the best team in the league," said the 64-year-old.
"Nevertheless, they haven't won so much, so you have to look for that improvement with that team.
"We are happy but I think Arsenal can come back from a defeat. They have shown that a lot of times."
Van Gaal claimed his players were already starting to look tired following a busy run of fixtures, having battled to a 2-1 Champions League win over Wolfsburg on Wednesday in Europe.
"The solution is recovery, recovery, recovery," he continued. "That is why it is so difficult to prepare for the match against Arsenal.
"We have to see how the evaluation is from my fatigue specialist."
Van Gaal also revealed key midfielder Michael Carrick has been passed fit to play in the game.
He added: "Carrick can play so I have a choice. I am happy to say that there are no injuries from Wednesday night."
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