Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks La Liga Scoring Record In Real Madrid’s 8-1 Win Over Almeria

Although Almeria were already relegated and Real Madrid were guaranteed second place, there was still a compelling storyline behind the match between the two sides at the Santiago Bernabeu. Cristiano Ronaldo had scored 38 La Liga goals prior to the match, which put him at joint-top all time with Hugo Sanchez and Telmo Zarra. With one game to go, the Portuguese superstar had the opportunity to stand alone in the record books.

It didn't take very long for him to score the opener, either - four minutes in he latched onto a header driven back across goal for a simple tap in and goal number 39. His next was longer in coming, but six goals later (Emmanuel Adebayor had a hattrick, Karim Benzema a brace, and Almeria's Kalu Uche notched as well) Ronaldo picked up the ball, scampered through virtually the entire visiting defence, and smashed past Suarez Esteban from outside the area. It was his 40th goal in league play and 52nd in all competitions, an astonishing haul.

Madrid may not have been able to knock Barcelona off their pedestal, but in the personal battle between Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the Portuguese looks to have had (just about) the upper hand. Admittedly, that's not likely to bring much comfort when weighed up against a league title and possible Champions League crown, but it's better than a poke in the eye.