Cristiano Ronaldo’s Masterclass: 5 Goals in One Game
On April 5, 2015, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo put on one of the greatest individual performances in the history of football. In a La Liga match between Real Madrid and Granada, Ronaldo scored an incredible five goals in just 32 minutes, leading his team to a 9-1 victory.
The performance was a testament to Ronaldo’s incredible skill and athleticism, as well as his work ethic and determination. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the game and what made Ronaldo’s masterclass so special.
The Build-Up
Leading up to the game, Ronaldo had been in fine form, having scored a hat-trick in the previous game against Levante. He was also in the middle of a battle for the Pichichi Trophy, which is awarded to the top scorer in La Liga each season. Lionel Messi of Barcelona was his main rival, and the two were neck and neck in the race.
Real Madrid were also chasing the league title, and the game against Granada was a must-win if they were to keep pace with Barcelona at the top of the table.
The First Goal: 30th Minute
Ronaldo got off to a slow start in the game, with Granada doing a good job of keeping him quiet in the opening half-hour. But in the 30th minute, Ronaldo found himself in the right place at the right time to open the scoring. A shot from James Rodriguez was saved by goalkeeper Oier Olazabal, but the ball fell kindly to Ronaldo, who tapped it into an empty net.
The Second Goal: 36th Minute
Just six minutes later, Ronaldo doubled his tally. This time, he collected a pass from Karim Benzema on the edge of the box, took a touch to set himself, and then unleashed a powerful shot into the bottom corner of the net. Olazabal had no chance.
The Third Goal: 38th Minute
Two minutes later, Ronaldo scored again. This time, he received a pass from Marcelo on the left wing, cut inside onto his right foot, and then curled a stunning shot into the top corner of the net. Olazabal could only watch as the ball sailed past him.
The Fourth Goal: 41st Minute
Ronaldo’s fourth goal was perhaps the most impressive of the bunch. After receiving a pass from Benzema just inside the box, he took a touch to control the ball and then flicked it over the head of a defender before volleying it into the net. The goal was a showcase of Ronaldo’s incredible technique and skill.
The Fifth Goal: 53rd Minute
With the game already won, Ronaldo might have been forgiven for taking his foot off the gas in the second half. But he had other ideas, and he completed his incredible haul in the 53rd minute. This time, he latched onto a through ball from Isco, rounded the goalkeeper, and then slotted the ball into the net.
The Aftermath
Ronaldo’s five-goal haul was a record in La Liga, and it helped him take the lead in the race for the Pichichi Trophy. He eventually won the award with 48 goals, beating Messi by six.
Real Madrid went on to finish second in the league, just two points behind Barcelona. But Ronaldo’s masterclass against Granada will always be remembered as one of the greatest individual performances in football history.
In conclusion, Cristiano Ronaldo’s masterclass of scoring 5 goals in one game is a testament to his incredible skill, technique, and athleticism. His work ethic and determination are also key factors that contributed to his success. This historic feat will always be remembered as one of the greatest individual performances in the history of football.
