Cristiano Ronaldo key to Real Madrid in must-win clash with Barcelona
Portuguese star must maintain his form after back-to-back hat-tricks as Madrid aim to close gap with their rivals to five points at Nou Camp
Real Madrid face Barcelona in a make-or-break El Clasico tomorrow, aided by a resurgent Cristiano Ronaldo but acutely aware that defeat would see them trail their bitter enemies by a massive 11 points.
Ronaldo has hit form at just the right time, netting three times in a 4-1 win at Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday, following on from his hat-trick in a 5-1 La Liga rout of Deportivo La Coruna last weekend.
The last time Real and Barcelona clashed in the league was April, when Ronaldo scored the decisive goal at the Camp Nou as his side went on to win the league. But this season, Barcelona have begun with ominous intent to reclaim their crown, with six straight victories.
Perhaps the result of basking in their own triumph, Jose Mourinho's team made a stuttering start this season, with just one win from the first four games. But since then, they have clicked into gear and Ronaldo has looked more like his former self.
The Portuguese star had looked moody and introspective, refusing to celebrate some goals with his teammates and declaring himself to be unhappy.
However, his winner against Manchester City in the Champions League last month showed his desire was back. And now he is fully primed to face Barca after his successive hat-tricks.