Race for LaLiga top scorer heats up: Messi 25, Cristiano with 22
Cristiano Ronaldo's goal scoring capacity has moved to a different level after a disappointing start by his own high standards to the beginning of the current campaign. It's also worth remembering that the Portuguese striker was forced to miss a series of games at the beginning of the season through suspension. In the last nine games, the Madeira born player has been on-target 18 times and last night Girona were on the receiving end of four as part of a 6-3 scoreline at the Bernabeu. The player has his sights set on the "Pichichi" (LaLiga top scorer) award and has managed to turnaround a 17-4 deficit (Messi-Cristiano) through to the current 25-22 LaLiga goals overall tally as both Messi and Cristiano show no let-up in hitting the target.
4-4-2
It's clear that the destiny of the 2017/18 LaLiga title is something of a foregone conclusion but an intriguing tussle lies ahead between Cristiano and Messi for the top scorer award. The average Real Madrid fan has been more than encouraged from Cristiano's recent performances and his proficiency in front of goal offers optimism ahead of the Champions League quarter-final tie against Juventus. Madrid's success on so many times has depended on the goal scoring efficiency of the Portuguese. He's managed to salvage poor performances with his lethal finishing and with Zidane employing a 4-4-2 formation, is flourishing in his role as a No. 9 with Benzema instrumental in supplying key assists in aiding Ronaldo.
Leaky defence
It's also worth a look at what's happening in defence too. Scoring six goals in any game is a positive thing but conceding three from dead-ball situations provides cause for concern. It's true that Girona are a fine side, well drilled and have a lethal aerial threat in Stuani. The Catalan side impressed on their first ever top flight league game at the Bernabéu but a team hoping to go far in the Champions League simply cannot ship three goals cheaply and this is something that will need to be urgently addressed. Juventus will have been watching on with interest and Zidane was clearly angry in the post match press conference with the French coach acutely aware that it's not every day that Cristiano will be on hand to bang in four goals