Ronaldo scores 300th goal, Real continues to chase Barca

CR7 has just scored 300 goals for Real Madrid when he scored in the match against Rayo Vallecano in round 30 of Liga.

It took Ronaldo less than six years to accumulate 300 goals at Real. Photo: Reuters

Result:Rayo Vallecano 0-2 Real Madrid

Goal:Ronaldo 68', James Rodriguez 74'

Before the match against Rayo, Ronaldo had 214 goals in La Liga, 21 in the Copa del Rey, 60 in the Champions League and 5 in other tournaments. The total of these achievements was raised to 300 when the author made a beautiful header to beat goalkeeper Cobeno in the 68th minute and opened an important victory for Real. CR7 then made the decisive pass to James Rodriguez to seal the 2-0 score to close a successful day of competition.

The win over Rayo kept Real on pace to keep up with Barca in the title race. The two teams are now four points apart, while Ronaldo and co have an easier schedule in the final eight games.

After a 9-1 win over Granada last weekend, Real were under a lot of pressure when they had to travel to Rayo Vallecano. The home team's cautious play meant that the trio of Ronaldo, Benzema and Bale could not create many scoring opportunities. The mentality of having to win to maintain the gap with Barca also made it difficult for coach Carlo Ancelotti's team to finish.

After escaping a Ronaldo volley and a James Rodriguez tap-in early in the first half, Rayo Vallecano began to show the true character of the team currently ninth in the Liga table. Goalkeeper Iker Casillas had to make repeated reflex saves to keep out shots from Gael Kakuta, Alberto Bueno and Manucho. The home side even controlled the ball more and limited Real's creativity to the maximum in the latter stages of the first half.

Coach Ancelotti's adjustments at half-time proved effective but could not help Real to an easy victory. Rayo Vallecano repeatedly escaped Bale's header, Benzema's volley and Marcelo's long-range shot.

CR7 is really important for Real at a crucial moment of the season.

Just when Real fans were starting to worry about a draw, Dani Carvajal's brilliant strike in the 68th minute completely changed the game. The Spanish right-back broke into the box and crossed the ball for Ronaldo to head home to break the deadlock. The goal helped the visitors to get rid of their psychological burden and play better.

Ronaldo in this match was no longer selfish like many previous rounds, but showed high team spirit. Besides the half-volley, half-shot in the first half, CR7 also had a pass in the 74th minute to James Rodriguez. This time, his teammate took advantage of it with a curling shot from 14 meters to seal the 2-0 victory.

Rayo also created some dangerous attacks in the second half but were unable to overcome Casillas. Nacho's long-range shot and Manucho's header were both blocked by the most successful goalkeeper in Spanish football history.

Rayo have not earned any points, remaining in ninth place after 30 rounds. Meanwhile, Real continue to trail Barca by four points, while re-establishing a five-point lead over third-placed Atletico.

Ronaldo has regained his best form, which is a joy for Real fans before the final stages of La Liga and Champions League.

According to VNE