Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t make the headlines following Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory against Napoli Wednesday, those all belonged to Casemiro after his stunning, vital volley, but it was a vintage performance from Real’s No. 7. Whether cropping up on the left or right side of attack, Ronaldo was a constant threat to Napoli’s fullbacks, and his assist to Toni Kroos for Real’s second was sensational.
In truth, Ronaldo could’ve easily had two more assists if Karim Benzema would’ve finished the opportunities Ronaldo furnished for him. Ronaldo’s assist to Kroos was his fifth of this Champions League campaign, a personal best for the Portuguese.
However, this isn’t a recent development in Ronaldo’s game — that assist made him the all time leader in Champions League history with 31. His ratio for assists per game is also higher than that of Ryan Giggs (30) and Lionel Messi (24).
Cristiano Ronaldo is the opposite of selfish right now. https://t.co/1fQuP5oHN2
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 16, 2017
What’s more, the aspect of his game that Ronaldo’s detractors love to claim is diminished, his ability to beat defenders on the dribble, was on full display on Wednesday. He completed five successful dribbles, three more than anyone else on the pitch.
The second leg in Naples will see Napoli, a side built to attack, attempting to overturn a two-goal deficit. They, by necessity, will open themselves up to potential counterattacks from Real.
If Cristiano Ronaldo is in the sort of form he displayed yesterday, Real Madrid supporters should be confident in their ability to advance to the quarterfinals.
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