LOS ANGELES — Cristiano Ronaldo’s competitive spirit is what makes him one of the best players on the planet.
While many see the 4-1 drubbing Real Madrid gave the LA Galaxy on Saturday as nothing else than a good display in a preseason friendly for los Blancos, the Portuguese sees it as a big first step towards adding a World Football Challenge trophy to the team’s already massive collection.
HIGHLIGHTS: LA 1, RM 4
“We want to win this tournament,” said Ronaldo after the match. “Four goals against the Galaxy were important and good [for us].”
One of those four tallies was authored by Ronaldo himself, and it was an impressive one at that. The sharpshooter, who scored 41 goals in La Liga last season to take home the scoring title, showed his trademark skill and speed to get by a few defenders and blast in a shot from a tight angle.
Taking home the WFC title won’t be easy. Archrivals FC Barcelona and EPL giants Manchester United, to name just a few of the powers in the tournament, will all be gunning for the crown as well.
“We took six points, so I’m happy about that,” said Ronaldo, referring to the unique format of the tournament that awards three points for a win in regulation plus a point per goal for up to three goals.
With two more games left for Real Madrid in the World Football Challenge – against CD Guadalajara on Wednesday and the Philadelphia Union on July 23 – los Merengues are looking to give their second team players and new faces some valuable minutes before returning to Spain.
“In the first half, we played with one team. In the second half, with another,” said Ronaldo. “That’s what the coach wanted. It was a good game and we’re happy [with the performance].”
