The big question is, will Ronaldo play and if so, what impact will he have on the game?

Our friends over at matched betting service Profit Accumulator have given us an overview of his chances of starting and also an assessment as to the impact he might have (if he does play).

Is he injured?

Cristiano only managed to play the first 45 mins of Real Madrid’s last El Clasico with Barcelona. He was substituted at half-time with a suspected ankle injury.

It’s unclear whether this is a recurrence of an old injury, or a new one – but all Real fans will be holding their breath to see if he is fit to start the biggest match in club football.

The good news is that his manager Zinedine Zidane has said that he will be at ‘150%’.

Last Thursday, Zidane said this:

“Everyone will be okay for the final – Cristiano, Isco and Carvajal. Cristiano is the one who will be out longest, as it just happened two days ago. But he is good, he’s walking normally. It’s incredible that he’s already walking. That shows his ambition, his desire to play. We do not know when he will be back with the group, or if he will be back for Villarreal, but it would be perfect to have everyone ready for that final La Liga game. Nobody will have any problems for the final, they will all be at 150%.”

What will his impact be if he does play?

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Ronaldo is often considered to be the best player in the world, or at the very least a close second to Messi.

His record in the Champions League is unrivalled and he holds many records. Here are some of the Champions league records that Cristiano currently holds:

• 4 Champions League winners medals.
• Featured in 5 Champions League finals. A feat bettered only by Maldini, who has 6.
• Record number of Champions League goals: 116
• Record number of Champions League final goals: 4

That’s just a selection of his records as well, there are numerous more. It’s safe to say that he is a big game player, so he will definitely have an impact.

Who are favourites to win the final?

Madrid are chasing their third successive Champions League crown, having become the only team to successfully defend the prize since the new format of the competition was introduced in 1992-93. The last team to win the European Cup three times in succession was Bayern Munich between 1974-76.

The odds are currently in their favour. Madrid are 8/11 favourites to win, whilst Liverpool are 23/17 to win. On the night, though, anything can happen. Liverpool have had an impressive run so far, knocking out some big teams… but then, again so have Madrid.

Experience may well play a big part in who wins and if that’s the case, Real have the upper hand. Not least because of Ronaldo. He really is a trendsetter when it comes to Champions League statistics.

Who do you think will win the Champions League final? Will Ronaldo have a big impact?

The post What Impact Will Cristiano Ronaldo Have on the Champions League Final? first appeared on Cristiano Ronaldo Fan | News, Photos, Blog, Pics, Videos.

It is not a search for a supporting cast, with Ronaldo’s tendency to provide assists directly or as a result of his movement a too often overlooked part of his game. Rather, Real Madrid must find stars who can exist on equal billing with Ronaldo. Although Lionel Messi has been a dominant force at Barcelona, his partnership of equals (or near equals) with Luis Suarez and Neymar delivered a frontline of formidable nature. Gareth Bale’s injury concerns have blighted his progress, Isco remains unfairly unfancied as a regular starter and Karim Benzema is anonymous on too many occasions.

Step forward, Mohamed Salah? The Egyptian attacker is enjoying a season of unprecedented success with Liverpool, breaking a multitude of goalscoring records. While Salah had shown a great deal of promise earlier in his career and established himself as a livewire forward with Roma, few could have anticipated his consistently brilliant performances in Liverpool red. Barney Ronay with The Guardian is one of many commentators who has admitted that they misjudged just how successful Salah could be. On many occasions, he has been the difference between winning and losing, a burden that Ronaldo knows all too well from his career.

Could Salah be receiving passes from Ronaldo next season? Source: Liverpool FC via Facebook.

While Salah will be keen to prove that this season at Anfield is not an anomaly and that his burgeoning relationship with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane can match any attacking trio in the game, he will be conscious that the top players are ultimately judged on their trophies. Liverpool can be devastatingly effective, but they are a world away from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City; odds of 275/1 with Sportsbet.io to take the Premier League title in this campaign are an indictment of the chasm between City and the contenders. Guardiola is someone who has a reputation for building legacies, something else that Ronaldo knows all too well. A Liverpool team that calls Jordan Henderson a regular part of its midfield is not going to bridge that gap anytime soon.

Salah’s success inevitably has the big clubs calling, even though he only has one season of world-class form; he is already being linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona by The Telegraph, and Madrid cannot afford to let the attacker join their rivals. Now may be the most propitious time for Real Madrid to swoop for an attacker to dovetail with Ronaldo. Another season of success and Salah’s price tag will soar, while a season of relative indifference could mean that Jurgen Klopp has failed to create the necessary circumstances for Salah to thrive. Those circumstances would be undeniably improved by playing alongside Ronaldo; both have the ability to be selfless, and both terrify defenders. The defence may think they have a handle on one threat, but that will create space for the other to break free.

Ronaldo has intelligently adapted his game to his age, but one thing that will inevitably continue to decline is that once blistering pace. Salah has pace to burn and can do the running for Ronaldo, while Ronaldo’s movement can create space for the Egyptian forward who loves to drive into the space of the conventional number nine as much as he loves wingplay. While Ronaldo has shown no sign of relenting, he will be aware that his remaining time at the top is diminishing. The age of Ronaldo and Messi will soon pass for both players, and to the immense sadness of the footballing world. But Ronaldo still has a keen ferocity to succeed, and a signing of the calibre of Salah will help Real Madrid banish the less desirable memories of this season and strive for new heights. When Ronaldo finally does call it a day, a player like Salah could be a worthy candidate to become the new star synonymous with Real Madrid.

The post Ronaldo and Salah Could Join Forces Next Season first appeared on Cristiano Ronaldo Fan | News, Photos, Blog, Pics, Videos.

Supporters of Los Blancos have a tendency of being too silent when Real Madrid are down during a game. Otherwise, they prefer to insult their own players or leave the stadium early.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have a long way to go in the season as a team that are yet to glue very well.

Speaking to the media, Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his worry at the fans†attitude. He explained:

“Yes, we have to assume the duty of putting on a great show but itâ€s just not possible sometimes.

“We try, always… but the team doesnâ€t play well all the time and I think that the fans could support us more.”

As an example, Cristiano Ronaldo singled out the fans of his former team, Manchester United. He said:

“Take Manchester United fans for example. They were very intimidating against other teams like Liverpool or Manchester City.

“Iâ€m sure that if our fans tried to do that, it would give us players a big boost and it would be way better for everyone.”

Angela Asante, CRF Chief Editor

The post Cristiano Ronaldo Wants Real Madrid Fans To Intimidate Others And Support More first appeared on Cristiano Ronaldo Fan | News, Photos, Blog, Pics, Videos.

But could it be that the current FIFA World Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo, edges past Messi to retain his crown come December 21st in Zurich?

Well for the moment, it looks like Real Madridâ€s Portuguese play maker will hold on to his title after topping FIFAâ€s 23-man shortlist for the award.

The former Red Devil player won the FIFA World Club Cup in Japan where he won over the fans with wonderful performances during games. In addition, Ronaldo also won the Carling Cup and the English Premier League with Manchester United.

Ronaldoâ€s only disappointment came in the Champions League final where Lionel Messiâ€s Barcelona beat the Red Devils to lift the crown.

In general, Cristiano Ronaldo had a very good season last term despite having to adjust again after undergoing an ankle operation.

Ronaldo emerged as the leading scorer of his former team, Manchester United, for the third time in a row. His goals against Porto FC and Arsenal in the Champions League also helped him to prove his point as the current World Player of the Year.

Though many might argue about the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo tops the FIFA World Player of the Year shortlist ahead of Messi, some may also consider the fact that the English Premier League was arguably much more competitive than the Spanish La Liga and that playing at the highest level each week is obviously more demanding.

Anyway, Cristiano Ronaldo Fan gives you a share of FIFAâ€s 23-man shortlist for this yearâ€s FIFA World Player of the Year award:

Spain:

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid goalkeeper); Carlos Puyol (Barcelona defender); Andres Iniesta (Barcelona midfielder); Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona midfielder); Fernando Torres (Liverpool striker); David Villa (Valencia striker)

England:

Frank Lampard (Chelsea midfielder); Steven Gerrard (Liverpool midfielder); Wayne Rooney (Manchester United striker); John Terry (Chelsea defender)

Others:

Michael Ballack (Chelsea midfielder); Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus goalkeeper); Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid winger); Diego (Juventus midfielder); Didier Drogba (Chelsea striker); Michael Essien (Chelsea defender); Samuel Etoâ€o (Inter Milan striker); Thierry Henry (Barcelona striker); Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona striker); Ricardo Kaka (Real Madrid midfielder); Luis Fabiano (Sevilla striker); Lionel Messi (Barcelona winger); Frank Ribery (Bayern Munich midfielder).

The post Cristiano Ronaldo Tops FIFA’s Shortlist For The World Player Of The Year Award first appeared on Cristiano Ronaldo Fan | News, Photos, Blog, Pics, Videos.

The worst that could happen to the Red Devils after securing the Carling Cup and an UEFA quarterfinal place this month is indeed happening in the most frustrating manner.
With seven goals conceded in their last three Premiership games and two losses against Liverpool and Londonâ€s Fulham, the World Champions look more beatable than ever this season.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who seemed to have given his all last week against the Merseyside Reds, was the home fans†clown on Saturday afternoon at Craven Cottage.

Click on “Read More” to watch highlights of Manchester United’s 2-0 loss to Fulham.

Manchester United were out to correct themselves after a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the Theatre of Dreams against Liverpool, this time with a trip to Fulham whom they previously trounced 3-0 and 4-0 in the EPL and the FA Cup respectively.

However, despite Ferdinand declaring his excitement and readiness ahead of the Fulham game, Manchester Unitedâ€s psychological strength was still questionable.
Alex Ferguson had revealed earlier in the week that winning the quintuple was a dream he had given up, while Liverpoolâ€s boss Rafael Benitez was all smiles putting pen to paper for a new 5-year-contract with his current club.

The smell of a title switch from the Red side of Manchester to the Red side of Liverpool was very much in the air. It was down to Fergieâ€s boys to let it fade away.

Only eighteen minutes had run down the clock and Manchester Unitedâ€s veteran player Paul Scholes was already sent off after handling the ball on the goal line. Danny Murphy had the opportunity to score past Van der Sar for the sixth time in just over 200 minutes and he didnâ€t miss it.

From there, the Red Devils†task was to overcome Fulhamâ€s formidable performance and the numerical disadvantage. But it went without saying that United – who didnâ€t create much trouble for the hosts – felt the frustration. One man amongst the Reds†ten men on the pitch who couldnâ€t hide his anguish the least was Cristiano Ronaldo.

His accentuated body language was the home fans†entertainment added to Fulhamâ€s ability to keep hold of their lead.
Ronaldo finally sustained a yellow card in the second half; he could easily have seen red if the referee had decided to punish him from protesting the judgment. Filled with anger and frustration throughout the rest of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo tried to get Manchester United back into the game with fierce attacks. But Fulhamâ€s keeper Schwartzer always looked alert enough to save every single ball.

If the second-half introduction of Wayne Rooney gave Manchester United the attacking sense they lacked off, it also spiced up the game with some controversy.
Fulham rounded up the game on 87 minutes when substitute Zoltan Gera fired the ball past the 38th-years-old Dutch keeper from Andy Johnson’s cross, much to the frustration of Wayne Rooney who wanted to waste no more time. This resulted in him being sent off for aggressively protesting at the referee for an United free-kick to be taking quickly.
But Fulham fans wouldnâ€t mind whatever had to be the perfect decision there. Their team had beating United for the first time in 45 years on a very bad day for the Red Devils.

Manchester United failed to reaffirm their authority, loosing back to back for the first time in over three years. The title race is still wide open to Liverpool especially who later trounced Aston Villa 5-0, while Chelsea lost to Tottenham on Saturday afternoon.

Have Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo lost the plot to Rafaâ€s Red army?

Written by: Angela Asante

The post Are the good days of Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo already over? first appeared on Cristiano Ronaldo Fan | News, Photos, Blog, Pics, Videos.

Saturdayâ€s lunch time kick-off showcased the Premier Leagueâ€s most awaited clash of the year – also considered as the title decider – featuring hosts Manchester United and Rafael Benitezâ€s Liverpool.

Wayne Rooney had revealed his hatred against the Merseyside Reds in the build up to this titanic game while football editors were relishing a battle between Unitedâ€s rock in defense Nemanja Vidic and Liverpoolâ€s Spanish sensation Fernando Torres aka El Nino.

(Watch full highlights of all the five goals in Manchester United’s game against Liverpool here)

Cristiano Ronaldo gave the Red Devils a perfect start on 23 minutes after Ji-Sung Park was fouled inside the box. The World Player of the Year stepped up and fired the ball at the back of the net, sending keeper Pepe Reina inches away from catching the ball. This was Ronaldoâ€s second goal in the week – after scoring against Inter Milan in midweek – and thirteenth goal in the Premiership, putting him still on course to retain his Golden Boot award.

But instead of holding on to this lead, the Red Champions emphatically lost the plot, allowing Torres to cancel Ronaldo strike five minutes later. Captain ‘Planet†Steven Gerrard then put Liverpool in the lead just before half-time through a penalty.

Manchester United were desperate to turn things around in the second half and Liverpool seemed to feel the pressure at that point in time. Rafaâ€s men kept conceding free-kicks over free-kicks; Cristiano Ronaldo and co always came close to troubling the reigning Golden Glove winner Pepe Reina, but their efforts were never enough to deceive him.

Liverpool pressed on, searching to inflict on Manchester United the same sorrow they put on Real Madrid earlier in the week. And Aurelio just got the perfect touch; his rocket free-kick – created by Vidicâ€s foul on Gerrard for which he saw red – stunned Van der Sar who had previously inscribed a record run of clean sheets at Old Trafford in all competitions since November 1. Liverpool were leading 3-1.

The Merseyside Reds werenâ€t satisfied yet; their will to torture defending champions Manchester United was still very much on.
Dossena completed the score line on 90 minutes, meaning that Liverpool had handed Manchester United their heaviest defeat since losing 3-0 away to AC Milan in 2007.

Rafael Benitezâ€s 100th Premier League win came at the right time for Liverpool. The Mancunians†archrivals are back in the title race. The EPL trophy is not as secured for the Red Devils as it seemed to be before the game.

Winning the quintuple is doable, but finishing the season miserably is also a realistic – although pessimist – possibility. Manchester United are yet to know their fate in the FA Cup and in the Champions League, while theyâ€ve now got everything to play for in the league.

If Cristiano Ronaldo was able to end last season scooping almost every individual award, it is because Manchester United were good enough to protect his influence. Now, after Saturdayâ€s game where Ronaldo gave the lead to his side that eventually lost emphatically, there are doubts over Unitedâ€s ability to hold on till the end and emulate what they did last year.

In terms of individual play, Cristiano Ronaldo has been good enough since his return from injury. However, the Portuguese winger certainly isnâ€t as wonderful as he was last season and with a strong contender like Lionel Messi for this seasonâ€s awards, clinching at least a treble has become imperative for Ronaldo to beat off the likes of any challenger.

The question, though, remains:

Can Manchester United help Cristiano Ronaldo to retain his crowns?

Written by: Angela Asante

The post Ronaldo opens the scoring but Liverpool humble Man United 4-1. first appeared on Cristiano Ronaldo Fan | News, Photos, Blog, Pics, Videos.

‘No Ronaldo, no glory!†this was the thought of many people after Manchester United lost to Liverpool on Saturday.

The Red Devils may have won both the EPL and the Champions League title last season, but things are not as sweet presently as they were last year.

Man United is a great club, with outstanding players such as Anderson, Tevez, and newcomer Berbatov. However, even with these big names, getting goals and clinching victory seem to be two very difficult tasks to do.

Earlier during the summer, Ryan Giggs insisted that his team was strong even without Ronaldo. Now, is this opinion actuality true?

Fergieâ€s Man United flied higher than any other team last season and if they were able to write off the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea in their road to glory, Ronaldoâ€s presence was arguably what made it possible.

In the last couple of years, Ronaldoâ€s obvious contribution in Manchester United saw the Reds triumph domestically as well as on the European front, after up to four successive years of disappointing campaigns.

Now, the talismanic Portuguese Star is completely missing from the squad due to injury and whether it is a coincidence or not, it looks like Fergieâ€s Big Boys just canâ€t find their way through to victory this season.

The team is currently below the middle of the league table, with only four points.

It is believed that Ronaldo will be back by the end of September, which is quite an early date comparing to what doctors suggested. However, would it not be too late for Manchester United?

The Red Champions will have to face Chelsea without Ronaldo on September 21st. There is a sensation that Man United will drop out of contention for the EPL title should they fail to secure a win on that day.

If the worst happens to the Reds, their supporters will start rethinking about the possibility of some peopleâ€s opinion as a true fact: Manchester United is indeed a one-man team.

Written by: Angela Asante

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