After serving a five-game suspension, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make his highly anticipated La Liga return for Real Madrid this Wednesday. The Portuguese superstar’s absence has been deeply felt at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Los Blancos dropping crucial points in their title race against Barcelona. Crickex breaks down the tactical implications, statistical insights, and what this means for Zinedine Zidane’s side moving forward.
The Incident That Changed Real Madrid’s Early Season
Ronaldo’s suspension stemmed from a controversial moment during the Spanish Super Cup first leg against Barcelona on August 13. After scoring a stunning goal at Camp Nou, he received a second yellow card for an alleged dive (following an initial booking for removing his shirt in celebration) and subsequently pushed referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea in frustration. The resulting ban—one game for the double booking and four additional matches for the referee incident—left Real Madrid without their talisman during a critical stretch.
Real Madrid’s Struggles Without Ronaldo
While Madrid started strong with a 3-0 win over Deportivo La Coruña, their attack sputtered in subsequent matches:
- Missed Big Chances: Against Valencia and Levante, Karim Benzema (6 big chances missed) and Gareth Bale (3 big chances missed) struggled to convert clear opportunities.
- Dropped Points: Two consecutive home draws left Madrid seven points behind Barcelona (with a game in hand).
- Champions League Relief: Ronaldo‘s brace against APOEL Nicosia (where his ban didn’t apply) highlighted his irreplaceable finishing.
As Crickex tactical analyst David Martínez notes:
“Real Madrid creates chances at an elite level, but without Ronaldo’s ruthless efficiency, they lack the final dagger. Benzema and Bale are world-class, but neither has his cold-blooded instinct in front of goal.”
Why Ronaldo’s Return Changes Everything
Statistical Dominance
- Goal Guarantee: Ronaldo has averaged 40+ goals per season since joining Madrid in 2009.
- Big Chance Conversion: Last season, he scored 19 of 27 “big chances” (70.4% conversion rate).
- Messi Rivalry: With Lionel Messi already at 9 league goals, Ronaldo will be motivated to close the gap.
Tactical Flexibility
Zidane’s system thrives on Ronaldo’s versatility:
- Counter-Attacks: His pace and movement punish defensive transitions.
- Possession Play: His positioning creates space for Bale and Isco.
- Set-Piece Threat: Aerial dominance adds another dimension.
The Road Ahead: Can Madrid Catch Barcelona?
With Ronaldo back, key questions remain:
- Can Benzema/Bale regain form alongside him?
- Will Zidane rotate wisely to manage his fitness?
- How quickly can Ronaldo reintegrate into La Liga rhythm?
Wednesday’s clash against Real Betis offers the perfect stage for a statement performance. As Crickex Guillem Balàgue observes:
“Madrid’s title hopes hinge on Ronaldo staying healthy. With him, they’re favorites. Without him, they’re still contenders—but far less terrifying.”
#CristianoIsBack – Will his return spark a Madrid resurgence? Share your predictions with Crickex below!
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