MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo’s scintillating form and the supporting role played by the likes of Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema suggest Real Madrid have every right to believe a rare treble is well within their grasp.
Barcelona became the only Spanish team to win the Champions League and the domestic league and Cup in the same season in 2009 and La Liga leaders Real are in a strong position to match their arch rivals after Ronaldo’s goals helped them put together a 31-match unbeaten run since the end of October.
“Ronaldo didn’t become World Player of the Year for nothing,” Schalke coach Jens Keller told a news conference. “His qualities are outstanding.”
With 13 goals in seven games, the 29-year-old, who also scored twice in the 6-1 win at Schalke in the first leg, has surpassed his best CL haul and is one short of the record of 14 set by Barca’s Lionel Messi in 2011-12. (AP)