‘Cristiano Ronaldo Hype Not Good For Juventus’- Manager Allegri

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri is wary of the hype surrounding the club since Cristiano Ronaldo moved to the club.

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, 33, completed a €100 million (£89m/$116m) transfer from Real Madrid to Juventus earlier this month with many excited by his arrival.

The Portuguese star won four Champions League titles at the Liga club and joins the Turin giants hoping to win a European title in a third major league, following previous success at Manchester United and with Real Madrid.

But Allegri refused to be carried away by the signing of Ronaldo and warned it may be even harder for Juventus to defend their league title.

Allegri

“Cristiano has lots of international experience and he will help us a lot, but we have to be careful,” he told reporters.

“There is too much euphoria around us and it’s not good. This year will be more difficult than others.

“Opponents will be more aggressive because we have won many games and now we have an excellent player like him.

“They will accept it and also, they will have more motivation. With Ronaldo, I spoke about how happy and enthusiastic I am about him coming here, there will be time to speak about football.”

Ronaldo will not feature in the International Champions Cup for Juventus, but it is thought he will be available for their Serie A opener against Chievo.

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Ronaldo Rejects Offer To Sign New Deal With Real Madrid (See Reasons)

– Cristiano Ronaldo has rejected an offer to sign a new deal with Real Madrid

– The 33-year-old led Los Blancos to their 13th Champions League title after beating Liverpool in Kiev

– He wants to earn as much as Lionel Messi and Neymar before extending his contract with the Spanish League giants

Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo has not changed his mind on dumping Real Madrid this summer over alleged breach on promise.

The 33-year-old became the first player to win five Champions League titles in the history of the competitions after leading the Galacticos to their 13th UCL triumph last month in Kiev.

Ronaldo claimed he was promised an improved contract by Madrid board after conquering Europe in 2017, but only offered a deal earlier this year, which led to the former Manchester United to stall on signing a new contract till the end of the season.

Ronaldo’s representative Jorge Mendes has met with Los Blancos president Florentino Perez and Jose Angel Sanchez on Tuesday over the issue but no conclusion has been reach.

Ronaldo was offered €25 million-a-year deal – increasing to €30 million-a-year depending on the performance of both Ronaldo the individual and Real as a team.

However, the deal is nowhere near the salaries of Neymar (€37 million) and Lionel Messi (€50 million) reasons the 33-year-old rejected the deal.

Madrid chiefs were said to have expressed their anger towards Ronaldo’s agents following his comments after their Champions League victory in Ukraine on Saturday, May 26.

The former Manchester United star referred to the Real in past tense during his remarks after the game.

Ronaldo has been impressive for the Santiago Bernabeu outfit – leading them to four Champions League wins in the last five years.

The striker, whose release clause stands at €1 billion has reportedly told his employers to allow him leave, and for the first time the Bernabeu hierarchy are receptive to the idea.

But it remains to be seen if the latest spat will end in a handshake, a ceremony and a new deal – or whether Ronaldo will finally wave goodbye to the Spanish capital.

Naijaloaded previously reported that Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to leave the club this summer and make a return to Premier League side Manchester United.

Ronaldo has been superb for Los Blancos this season as he has helped the club qualify for the final of the Champions League where they will face Liverpool.

The 33-year-old Portugal international has scored 42 goals in 41 games, including 15 in the Champions League.

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Zinedine Zidane defends Ronaldo for using Doctor's phone

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has defended Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese forward was lampooned on social media for using a doctor's mobile phone to inspect a cut to his face.

Ronaldo took the blow from opposition defender Fabian Schaer as he stooped to head in Madrid's sixth goal – his second – in the side's 7-1 La Liga victory over strugglers Deportivo La Coruna at the weekend.

The 32-year-old remained down and was immediately attended to by the club's medical staff who escorted him off the pitch. It was as he exited the playing field that he was pictured holding the doctor's mobile to examine the damage the challenge had caused and did not return for the final ten minutes.

"We can't control what people say. He just took the phone to have a look at what had happened, to see if it was a big or small cut – that's all," Zidane told a news conference.

"He wanted to know whether or not he could continue or not; that's what he told us in the dressing room and for me that's it. They stitched him up and now he's coming back. The fact he's training with his eye as it is shows just how important it is for him to play."

The injury means Ronaldo will miss Real's King's Cup quarterfinal second leg at home to local rivals Leganes on Wednesday. Zidane's side hold a 1-0 advantage from the first match courtesy of a late Marco Asensio goal.

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Real Madrid must not bow to Ronaldo - Sanchis

Real Madrid should resist Cristiano Ronaldo's demands for a bumper new contract even if it leads to their all-time top scorer leaving the La Liga club, Real great Manolo Sanchis said on Wednesday.

According to various reports in the Spanish media Ronaldo is in the middle of a stand-off with Real president Florentino Perez, who is unwilling to offer the floundering Portuguese striker a salary hike.

Ronaldo, 32, signed his last deal with Real in November 2016 until June 2021, but is reported to be demanding another new deal to bring his salary in line with Lionel Messi and Neymar, the top two earners in world soccer.

"Madrid don't need to increase his (Ronaldo's) salary," Sanchis told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope on Wednesday.

"If Madrid collapse this season, he will be on his way out. (Alfredo) Di Stefano left Madrid so anyone can leave now without it causing a big drama."

Former Spain defender Sanchis spent his entire career with Real Madrid, winning eight Liga titles and two Champions Leagues between 1983 and 2001.

Ronaldo collected a joint-record fifth Ballon d'Or award in December but has only scored four times in La Liga this season, a huge factor in the Spanish and European champions limp title defence.

Real have fallen a remarkable 19 points behind runaway league leaders Barcelona and are currently fourth in the standings, trailing second-placed Atletico Madrid by 10 points and third-placed Valencia by eight, although they have played one game less.

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'CR7 leaving Real Madrid is beyond imagination' - Zidane

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said on Wednesday he cannot foresee Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the club, despite various reports in the Spanish media saying he is in the middle of a stand-off with president Florentino Perez over a pay dispute.

Ronaldo, 32, signed his last deal with Real in November 2016 until June 2021, but is reported to be demanding another new contract to bring his salary in line with Lionel Messi and Neymar, the top two earners in world soccer.

"I can't imagine Real Madrid without Cristiano, this is his club and the one where he needs to be," Zidane told a news conference ahead of Real's King's Cup quarterfinal first leg against Leganes.

"We all know what people are talking about outside the club, but inside he has to just think about playing, as always. I only want to talk about his performances."

Ronaldo collected a joint-record fifth Ballon d'Or award in December but has only scored four times in La Liga this season, a huge factor in the Spanish and European champions limp title defence.

Real have fallen a remarkable 19 points behind runaway league leaders Barcelona and are currently fourth in the standings, trailing second-placed Atletico Madrid by 10 points and third-placed Valencia by eight, although they have played one game less.

"Everyone loves him for everything he has done. We are in a difficult moment right now but he is still with us," Zidane added.

"Cristiano is old enough to deal with the club himself. I only talk to him about what goes on on the pitch. He manages what goes on off it."

Earlier on Wednesday, Real great Manolo Sanchis said the club should resist Ronaldo's demands for a pay hike.

"Madrid don't need to increase his (Ronaldo's) salary," Sanchis, who won eight Liga titles and two Champions Leagues with the club between 1983 and 2001, told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope.

"If Madrid collapse this season, he will be on his way out. (Alfredo) Di Stefano left Madrid so anyone can leave now without it causing a big drama."

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Lionel Messi on target for Barcelona, Real Madrid held

Lionel Messi marked his 400th appearance in La Liga with the opening goal in Barcelona's 3-0 win over struggling Levante at the Camp Nou on Sunday as the Catalans prepare to unveil Philippe Coutinho.

Messi's 365th goal in Spain's top flight was followed by strikes from Luis Suarez and Paulinho as Barcelona stretched their lead at the top of the table back to nine points over Atletico Madrid.

They are also now a massive 16 points clear of defending champions Real Madrid, who were held to a 2-2 draw away at Celta Vigo despite a brace from Gareth Bale, and remain fourth.

Barcelona are still unbeaten in La Liga this season and on Monday will officially unveil Coutinho following the Brazilian's €160 million move from Liverpool.

With all the talk about Coutinho, coach Ernesto Valverde was eager for his side to keep their focus on winning their first league outing since beating Real Madrid 3-0 in the Clasico on December 23.

"Levante had not lost away since September. We were very good in the first half, but the rhythm was not the same in the second half," said Valverde.

Barcelona's previous record recruit Ousmane Dembele -- a €105 million buy from Borussia Dortmund in the summer -- was included in the line-up for the first time since tearing his hamstring nearly four months ago.

He came close to scoring on a couple of occasions, including from one 20-yard strike that was beaten away by Levante goalkeeper Oier Olazabal.

"I think he has to bring something to the team, and he also has to face up to the competition for places and for the tackles he will face on the pitch, from opponents who don't want to let him past," said Valverde.

"It is a process, but I thought he looked good and we still hope he can improve."

It was Messi who broke the deadlock with a fine first-time finish in off the post from a Jordi Alba assist for his 16th league goal of the campaign in the 12th minute.

The second goal arrived seven minutes before the interval, as Suarez controlled Sergi Roberto's fine ball into the box before firing home.

It was the Uruguayan's 400th professional goal, his 131st for Barca putting him seventh on the club's all-time list of leading scorers.

Barca rounded out the victory in the third minute of added time as Messi's low ball across goal at the end of a jinking run was turned in by Paulinho.

CELTA DESERVE DRAW

Madrid were without the injured Sergio Ramos and the suspended Dani Carvajal in Vigo and their makeshift defence was exposed when Daniel Wass put the hosts ahead in the 33rd minute.

The Dane was afforded acres of space although his chipped finish over Keylor Navas from the edge of the box was still a delight.

With Karim Benzema injured, Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo started together for the first time since late September.

And it was Bale who quickly turned the game around, slotting home from a fine weighted pass by Toni Kroos in the 36th minute and then beating the offside trap to prod in an Isco pass two minutes later.

However, Celta fought back after the break to claim a deserved point.

Iago Aspas saw a 72nd-minute penalty saved by Navas after he had been fouled by the Costa Rican goalkeeper, but Maxi Gomez rose unmarked to head in a Wass cross eight minutes from time.

Zinedine Zidane's side do still have a game in hand on the sides above them but they are now only one point further away from the relegation zone than they are from Barcelona.

Second-placed Atletico beat Getafe 2-0 on Saturday, with Diego Costa scoring and then being sent off in his first league appearance since returning to the club from Chelsea.

Valencia are 11 points behind Barcelona in third after coming from behind to beat Girona 2-1 at Mestalla on Saturday.

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‘Dybala must ignore Messi, Ronaldo comparisons’ - Allegri

Paulo Dybala should avoid worrying about comparisons with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo if he wants to become the best player in the world, said Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri on Saturday.

The 24-year-old Argentine – linked with a possible move to Manchester United – has not hit the heights of last season despite scoring 14 goals in 19 Serie A games including a double in Saturday's 3-1 win at Verona.

Dybala had been on the bench in the previous three games but started on Saturday and ensured the six-time defending Serie A champions won for the first time in Verona since 2001.

"It's important that Paulo found the net again," said Allegri. "After the goal, he started to play better, as he was in a delicate moment where things weren't quite going his way.

"Psychology is everything in football and confidence is key.

"You have to be focused and determined. I think the only advice for Paulo is to think just about his football and his journey, not worrying about comparisons with players like Leo Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

"In the next three years he will be, together with Neymar, the most important player in the world. Today there are Messi and Ronaldo and it is difficult, but his path is that he has to improve physically, technically and mentally."

Blaise Matuidi scored Juventus's earliest goal this season after six minutes, finishing off a Gonzalo Higuain rebound.

The hosts pulled level just before the hour mark when former Juventus player Martin Caceres scored from 20 yards.

Dybala then hit his five-minute double, the first on 72 minutes when Sami Khedira slid a through-ball to Stephan Lichtsteiner with the right back sending a cross into the box to a waiting Dybala.

The Argentine did the second on his own, dribbling through the Verona defence to seal the win which moved Allegri's side to within a point of Napoli at the end of the first half of the season.

"What I hope for the second half of the season is that Juventus stay in the running on all three fronts," said Allegri, who also refused to rule out the chasing pack of Inter Milan, AC Milan and Lazio who all failed to win on Saturday.

"It was important to increase the gap on those behind us and remain close to Napoli," he said.

"The others are not out, there are still lots of games to play. The championship will be resolved in the last games."

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'There are room for more' - Ronaldo said as he wins Globe award

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo was Thursday named Globe Soccer's Best Player for the second year in a row and the fourth time overall although he wasn't present in person to receive his trophy.

The Portuguese international also won the prize, organised by the EFAA (European Association of Football Agents) and ECA (European Clubs Association) in 2011, 2014 and 2016.

Ronaldo appeared by video link as he received the award from Italy's Alessandro del Piero.

Despite his numerous awards, Ronaldo joked that he still has plenty of room to expand his personal trophy cabinet.

"Don't worry my friend, I have a lot of space," Ronaldo, who inspired Real to the Champions League last season, told the show's host.

"For me it's a special moment and I feel very happy to receive this award. I have to say thank you to my teammates, to my coach, to Real Madrid.

"It was an amazing year, we won a lot of trophies collective and myself individual, so I'm so glad. Thank you for the people who voted for me – next year, do the same!"

Real were also named best club of the year and Zinedine Zidane was best coach.

"It's an honour for me and for the club to receive this award," Zidane told the audience.

"It means things have gone well and worked well."

In other awards, Francesco Totti and Carles Puyol received player career awards, Marcello Lippi was handed a coaching career award, Spain's La Liga was best league of the year, and Jorge Mendes named best agent.

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Five conclusions drawn from El Clasico

Barcelona further tightened their vice-like grip on the La Liga title by sweeping aside eternal rivals Real Madrid 3-0 on Saturday to leave the European champions 14 points adrift down in fourth place.

Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Aleix Vidal were on target for the visitors in the second half as Madrid paid for not taking their chances when on top before the break.

Here are five conclusions to draw from El Clasico:

TITLE DECIDED

The day before Santa Claus comes to Spain, Barca already have what they most wanted for Christmas.

Not only did they leave Madrid trailing, but defeats for Atletico Madrid and Valencia this weekend mean they now lead La Liga by nine points.

Ernesto Valverde's men are unbeaten in 25 games, stretching back to their previous visit to the Santiago Bernabeu when they were outclassed as Real wrapped up a 5-1 aggregate win in the Spanish Super Cup.

Back then, Real seemed all-conquering after a first La Liga and Champions League double for 59 years, while Barca were reeeling from the loss of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain.

However, thanks to Valverde's shrewd management, the Catalans have bounced back in incredible style, dropping only six points in their opening 17 league games while their rivals have floundered.

MADRID NEED FRESH LEGS

Real have paid a heavy price for not building from a position of strength as they cashed in rather than splashing out in the transfer market in the summer.

Alvaro Morata, James Rodriguez and Pepe all left, while Real failed to get their premier target as Kylian Mbappe chose to join Neymar at PSG.

Missing out on Mbappe could prove even more costly when Madrid face PSG in the last 16 of the Champions League.

However, Real don't just need a refreshment up front to offer back up to the ageing duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, now both in their ninth season in Madrid.

The hosts faded physically in the second half as the toil of playing in six competitions this season has become increasingly apparent in recent months.

BARCA DEFENCE FOR REAL

The key to Valverde's rejuvenation of Barca has been an unusual one for the Catalans.

Unlike the sparkling football shown by Pep Guardiola or Luis Enrique's treble winning sides in the past decade, Barca have built from the back.

Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been in outstanding form, but Neymar's departure has also allowed Valverde to play an extra midfielder to offer more protection to the back four.

Barca have conceded just eight goals in their 25-game unbeaten run, registering 18 clean sheets.

SPOTLIGHT FINALLY FALLS ON ZIDANE

"Tomorrow they are going to hammer me," recognised Zidane after his decision to surprisingly start Mateo Kovacic instead of a host of other attacking options such as Gareth Bale, Isco or Marco Asensio backfired.

Zidane has enjoyed an almost flawless record during his first two years in charge, winning eight trophies including back-to-back Champions Leagues.

However, his heaviest defeat as a senior coach means his judgement is finally beginning to be questioned.

And that pressure will only intensify unless he can mastermind a way past free-spending PSG come the new year.

A VERY MESSI CHRISTMAS

Ronaldo has hogged the headlines in the past month after picking up his fifth Ballon d'Or to move level with Messi in their personal battle to be declared the best player of their generation.

The Portuguese was rewarded for his remarkable goalscoring streak towards the end of last season's Champions League with 10 goals from the quarterfinals on as Madrid were crowned champions of Spain and Europe.

However, in terms of consistent performances in 2017, Messi has been in a world of his own and rounded off the year with another goal and assist.

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SportBaze Wishes You A Happy Christmas Celebration

We the entire team of SportBaze.com and SportBaze TV wishes you a happy Christmas celebration, we love you all, enjoy this day, and all your days

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Barcelona move 14 points clear of Real Madrid

Barcelona took a huge step towards regaining the La Liga title as goals from Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Aleix Vidal beat bitter rivals Real Madrid 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday to open up a 14-point lead over the European champions.

In a recurring theme of this season Madrid were made to pay for Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema missing first-half chances as Barca took control after halftime.

Suarez rounded off a flowing counter-attack to open the scoring before Messi blasted home a penalty after Madrid defender Dani Carvajal was sent-off for punching the ball off the goal line.

And Messi was the creator as Vidal rubbed salt into Real's wounds deep into stoppage time.

"The league isn't finished, we haven't even completed the first half of the season," claimed Barca boss Ernesto Valverde on his side's seemingly unassailable advantage.

However, victory extends Barca's unbeaten run to 25 games in all competitions as they moved nine points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid and exacted revenge for a 5-1 thrashing on aggregate in the Spanish Super Cup at the hands of Real in August.

Madrid do still have a game in hand over Barca to marginally reduce the gap at the top, but their efforts in the new year are now likely to be more focused on becoming the first side to win three consecutive Champions League titles in over 40 years.

"We are down because it is a defeat that hurts," said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.

"Madrid never give up, whatever happens. It is a difficult moment because we've lost by three goals. I could say we don't deserve it, but that is football."

Despite the clash between the Spanish capital's and Catalonia's two giants taking place just two days after three parties favouring independence for the prosperous region from Spain retained an absolute majority in the Catalan parliament, there was little attention paid to politics inside the ground once the action got underway.

REAL RUE RONALDO MISKICK

It could have been very different for the hosts if Ronaldo had buried a huge opportunity when he completely miskicked just 10 minutes in.

Barca didn't threaten at all until the half hour mark when Messi finally found some room in a congested midfield to pick out Paulinho's late run and the Brazilian's acrobatic effort was matched by a flying save from Keylor Navas.

Seconds later it was Marc-Andre ter Stegen to demonstrate why he has been one of the keys to Barca's success this season by getting an outstretched toe to turn Ronaldo's fiercely struck shot behind.

Benzema was inches away from giving Real a halftime lead as he headed against the post two minutes before the break.

However, Barca came out a different side in the second period to almost certainly put the title out of Madrid's reach.

"In the second-half we managed to impose our control on the game," added Valverde.

Nine minutes after the break Sergio Busquets's calm opened up the Madrid midfield as he fed Ivan Rakitic and Sergi Roberto eventually crossed to Suarez to apply the finishing touch.

Suarez was spared the embarrassment of missing two huge chances in an incredible goal mouth scramble that led to Barca's second.

Navas saved Suarez's first effort before he fired against the post with the goal at his mercy, but Paulinho's follow-up was punched off the line by Dani Carvajal.

Messi dispatched the resulting penalty into the top corner to kill the game as a contest and was the creator for Barca's third in stoppage time when Vidal's drive squeezed in under Navas.

Barca's perfect weekend was rounded off as Valencia missed the chance to move into second place ahead of Atletico Madrid as they suffered a third defeat in four games.

Carlos Bacca scored the only goal as Villarreal won 1-0 at Mestalla and Valencia will also start the new year without top scorer Simeone Zaza, who was sent-off after seeing two yellow cards in 60 seconds just before the hour mark.

Atletico were also beaten for the first time in La Liga this season 1-0 at Espanyol on Friday.

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Five keys that could decide Real Madrid v Barca winner

Real Madrid realistically need to end Barcelona's 24-match unbeaten run to maintain hopes of retaining their La Liga title when Spanish football's two behemoths meet in El Clasico on Saturday.

Barca lead fourth-placed Madrid by 11 points at the top of the table, albeit Real do have a game in hand.

However, it was at the Santiago Bernabeu that Barca last tasted defeat in August as Real cruised to a 5-1 aggregate win in the Spanish Super Cup.

Here, we look at five keys to deciding who will end the year victorious.

Messi-Alba connection
Barca have overcome Neymar's departure with relative ease thanks to left-back Jordi Alba's return to form, in large part caused by the Brazilian's absence on the left side of Barca's attack.

"I have a lot more room to go forward and in all honesty for me it is much better," admitted the Spanish international.

Lionel Messi has also benefited with three of Alba's six assists this season setting up the Argentine.

The Alba-Messi connection also gave Barca a famous 3-2 win as Messi scored with the last kick of the ball at the Bernabeu in April when Neymar was suspended.

Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal has played just five games since September due to a long-term virus and a lack of cover offered by Madrid's narrow four-man midfield could give Alba plenty of space to exploit.

'BBC' finally fit to return?
Madrid's famed 'BBC' front three of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale have yet to play a single minute of action together this season, largely due to Bale's injury problems.

However, the Welshman scored on his return to action to help Real win the Club World Cup last week, leaving Zinedine Zidane spoilt for choice with his starting line-up.

Zidane is expected to stay loyal to the side that started the Champions League final in May, with Bale only featuring from the bench.

Yet, the pace offered by Bale and Marco Asensio, who has scored in his last three matches against Barca, could prove decisive in the second-half. 

Ronaldo and Suarez back in form

Between them Ronaldo and Barca's Luis Suarez had a pitiful return of a combined four goals in La Liga until mid-November as age appeared to be taking hold of both now in their 30s.

However, Ronaldo and Suarez now look like their old selves to add plenty more firepower to a fixture never short on goals.

Ronaldo has eight in his last seven games, including the winner in the Club World Cup final last weekend.

Suarez, meanwhile, is now La Liga's joint third highest scorer thanks to six in his last five league games.

Is Barca's new defence for real?
Ernesto Valverde's version of Barca may lack the same spark as those coached by Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique over the past decade, but the results are just as good thanks to an exceptionally mean defence backed up by the brilliance of Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal.

Valverde's men have kept 17 clean sheets and conceded only eight goals in total on their 24-game unbeaten run.

The real test, though, comes at the Bernabeu, especially with Thomas Vermaelen expected to deputise for the injured Samuel Umtiti at centre-back.

Barca have kept just one clean sheet against Madrid in their last 24 meetings.

Brazilian brute force
Of all the stars on show, Brazilian international duo Casemiro and Paulinho may not be the most pleasing on the eye, but both bring a physical edge to the midfield battle that make them vital components to their respective sides.

Casemiro is Madrid's destroyer who creates the platform for Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Isco to create.

However, he will have to keep a close eye on his compatriot, whose ability to time his runs into the opposition area has seen him register six goals in 15 La Liga appearances and quickly quieten the critics who questioned his 40 million euro signing from Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande.

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Ronaldo trailing in Messi's wake

The defining image of the previous 'Clasico' in the league last April was the sight of Lionel Messi defiantly showing the back of his shirt to the baying Real Madrid crowd after burying the winning goal to settle a thrilling contest 3-2 for Barcelona.

The goal, also the Argentine's 500th strike for his club, proved futile in Barca's pursuit of Madrid, who still won a first La Liga crown in five years, but has had a surprising knock on effect on the current campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo, locked in a compelling battle with Messi for the title of being the best player in the world, replicated Messi's celebration four months later when he scored for Real against Barca in the Nou Camp in the Spanish Super Cup, but his actions had unintended consequences.

Ronaldo incurred an automatic booking for removing his shirt to celebrate the goal in Real's 3-1 win and two minutes later was sent off for a second yellow card, this time for diving.

Incredulous at the decision, he pushed referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea and was subsequently slapped with a five-game ban, missing Real's opening four Liga games.

By the time Ronaldo made his first league appearance of the season in an eventual 1-0 defeat by Real Betis on September 20, Messi was already on a remarkable nine goals, while Madrid were seven points adrift of Barca at that stage.

The champions host their bitter rivals on Saturday sitting fourth in the Liga standings, 11 points behind Barca, although they have a game in hand. No side has ever won the Liga after falling eight points behind the leaders.

Not helped by his lack of match practice, Ronaldo did not open his account in the league until his fourth league game, striking the winner against Getafe, while his second goal did not come until his ninth appearance, against Malaga.

His two goals in the last league outing against Sevilla took him to four for the season, his worst campaign so far in nine years in Spain. Twenty one players have scored more than the usually prolific Portuguese in Spain's top flight this season, with Messi leading the way with 14 goals.

HIGH STANDARDS

Ronaldo has compensated for his poor domestic form by maintaining his usual high standards in international competitions. He is the top scorer in this season's Champions League with nine goals and last weekend struck the only goal in the Club World Cup final against Gremio to help Real sign off 2017 with a club record five trophies.

His floundering league displays have not affected his self-confidence, either.

"There is not a more complete player than me and I believe I am the best player in the history of football, in the good and the bad moments," Ronaldo told France Football this month after winning the Ballon d'Or and tying Messi in being named world player of the year a record fifth time.

With five goals in his last four games in all competitions, Ronaldo heads into the 'Clasico' in prolific form, and it would be no big surprise if he inspired Madrid to victory over Barca.

But even if he does, Real will still face a huge task in chasing down the Catalans, who marched into an early lead while Ronaldo was shackled by his ban, partly due to mimicking Messi's iconic celebration.

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Cristiano Ronaldo 2004 Vs 2017 Photos: See Transformation

So our world best footballer was this innocent looking boy in the year 2004, but looking at his figures 2017, there’s a whole lot of difference. No wonder ladies find his looks difficult to resist.

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