Real Madrid have a Champions League/Primera Liga double in their sights thanks to a ‘phenomenal’ display by Ronaldo in the 4-2 defeat of Monaco. After a shock defeat in the King’s Cup final and a 4-2 loss at Athletic Bilbao in the league at the weekend, Real appeared to be flagging.However, the return of leading scorer Ronaldo from injury gave the Spanish champions a new lease of life in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg. Out of action for more than two weeks with a torn thigh muscle, the Brazilian striker was a constant threat to the Monaco defence, creating several scoring chances, winning a penalty and then notching a late goal.“Ronaldo was phenomenal,” said Real defender Francisco Pavon. “He creates a sense of danger every time he gets the ball and that means the opposition defence are always worried about him. He’s our reference point in attack.” The young centre-back said the victory had showed Real, nine times European champions, were still a force to be reckoned with on the continental and domestic stages. “The win was important because although the squad was never pessimistic, those outside the club were.“But we proved that all that was happening was that we were going through a bad patch. We are still well-placed to win both the Primera Liga and the Champions League.” Ronaldo, who has scored 26 goals in the two competitions, said he was delighted with his return to action. “I felt good and am very happy to have scored in my first match back. I missed a few chances early on, but then managed to do my bit by winning the penalty and getting the goal.“I can give a lot more, though, once I gain full confidence after the injury.” Real went into halftime a goal behind to the Ligue 1 side before dominating the second half at the Bernabeu. Ronaldo put his side 4-1 ahead eight minutes from time before Monaco gave themselves hope of turning the tie around in the second leg when Real old boy Fernando Morientes scored with a powerful header.(Reuters)
