How a reinvented Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to make a decisive El Clasico impact

Cristiano Ronaldo has made a habit of defying his critics and will try to do so again by leading Real Madrid one step closer to the Spanish title on Sunday against bitter rivals Barcelona.

Four-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has faced accusations that his powers are waning and while he is no longer the flying winger that terrorised defences, he is no less effective for Los Blancos.

Ronaldo has become a powerhouse centre-forward, demonstrating how he can continue to play at the top level in the coming years despite turning 32 in February.

Across the Champions League quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich, which Madrid won 6-3 on aggregate, he struck five times and became the first player to score 100 goals in the competition.

“I don’t know who doubted me. The people who love Cristiano never had any doubts,” he said.

While the Portuguese is sometimes accused of being a selfish player, his new role sees him participate in attacking build-up play more frequently and in the recent 1-1 Madrid derby draw against Atletico, he created good chances for his teammates.