Cristiano Ronaldo has scored a remarkable 920 goals for club and country. However, one of his most iconic moments came against Barcelona when he scored his 295th career goal during the 35th match of the La Liga season in 2011/12. If you are wondering, “Why is this goal so iconic?” let me give you some context.
On November 30, 2010, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid decisively with a score of 5-0 and secured both the La Liga and Champions League titles.
However, in the Copa del Rey final, Ronaldo scored the match’s only goal after a sublime cross from Ángel Di María, leading Real Madrid to victory in extra time.
Real Madrid was eager to avenge their loss to Barcelona the following season. They faced their rivals again at the Santiago Bernabéu, but despite Karim Benzema’s early goal, Barcelona responded with three goals, resulting in a 3-1 loss for Real Madrid. This match was another humiliating experience for the team.
After that setback, Real Madrid regrouped and had a stellar season, sitting at the top of the league table. However, Barcelona, driven by Lionel Messi’s brilliance, was mounting a late charge to close the gap on their arch-rivals.
A win for Madrid would give them a seven-point lead and virtually seal the title, while a victory for Barcelona would create a tense finish to the season.
Messi was the undisputed best player at the time, having won the Ballon d’Or three consecutive times. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, motivated by a desire to prove himself, was determined to lead Real Madrid to victory and justify the €86 million investment made in him in 2009. José Mourinho, also seeking to avenge his previous defeat, had strong reasons to ensure Real Madrid’s success.
A TITLE- DEFINING CLASICO FOR CRISTIANO
As the match began, Barcelona, known for their high-possession tiki-taka style, relentlessly pressed Real Madrid, creating numerous chances.
However, Mourinho had meticulously prepared his team’s defence, making it nearly impenetrable. Real Madrid effectively launched counter-attacks whenever they regained possession.
Sami Khedira scored the first goal, but Alexis Sánchez equalized just a few minutes later. As the match seemed to be heading for a draw, the defining moment arrived. Mesut Özil delivered a perfectly timed through ball that split the Barcelona defence.
Ronaldo, always ready for the crucial moment, controlled the ball expertly and slotted it past Víctor Valdés with his right foot, sending Madrid fans into a frenzy.
Then came one of the most memorable instances of Cristiano Ronaldo’s theatrics. As he ran towards the roaring Camp Nou crowd, he gestured with his hands, palms facing down, asking for silence.
His message was clear: “Calma, calma”—stay calm. The Camp Nou fell silent, witnessing Madrid’s No. 7 perform.
Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory, extending their lead at the top of La Liga. This win proved pivotal, as they eventually finished the season with a record-breaking 100 points, breaking Barcelona’s dominance.
AFTERMATH AND LEGACY
Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Calma’ celebration became one of his most famous gestures. It symbolized his confidence and ability to thrive under pressure. It was not just a goal; it was a powerful statement.
However, after a few more goals at Camp Nou, officials suggested that Ronaldo not do the CALMA celebration to avoid agitating Barcelona’s fans.
Even today, years later, it remains one of the most memorable Clásico celebrations, showcasing once again why Cristiano Ronaldo excels in the biggest moments.
This celebration inspired many young players to do it after scoring in any derby game.
Ronaldo once again did the CALMA in front of the Culer after scoring the winner in 2016.
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