Cristiano Ronaldo can set a new record for goals scored in a Champions League group stage when already-qualified Real Madrid visit FC Copenhagen on Tuesday.
The Portuguese has scored eight times in just four European appearances this season to equal the record jointly held by Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Filippo Inzaghi, Hernan Crespo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has also scored eight times for Paris Saint-Germain this season.
Ronaldo has missed Madrid’s last three games due to a muscular injury and suspension respectively, but Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that he will return in midweek despite Madrid having already sealed their place in the last 16.
“Cristiano is fine, he is training with the rest of the team and he will play on Tuesday without any problem,” said the Italian.
And despite a lot of talk surrounding what he may do at the World Cup next summer, Ronaldo insisted his primary focus is on delivering trophies for Madrid before making his way to Brazil.
“There’s still a long way to go to the World Cup and I am focused on my club. I want to win everything and then we’ll see about the World Cup,” he said. We have to enjoy the present, right now we are playing well in the Champions League, La Liga and now the Copa del Rey. “I hope Madrid can win something important. There is still a long way to go until the World Cup and anything could happen. My aim is to stay focused on my club and give my best.”
Gareth Bale is also expected to return in the Danish capital as he trained alongside Ronaldo on Sunday despite missing Real’s 0-0 draw away to third tier Olimpic Xativa in the first-leg of their Copa del Rey tie on Saturday due to the flu.
Copenhagen cannot make the last 16 no matter how results on Tuesday go due to their inferior head-to-head record against Galatasaray and Juventus.
Written by Martins
@MartinsChokoe
