Cristiano Ronaldo Returns In Rudimentary Merengues Victory

Real Madrid coasted past Swiss side Zurich thanks to a solitary first half goal from Gonzalo Higuain. The game will be noted more for the return of Cristiano Ronaldo than the footballing performance as the winger returned after an eight week lay-off. Ronaldo almost grabbed all the plaudits with a stoppage time effort but his strike was well saved by Johnny Leoni in the Zurich goal.The hosts started with real intent with Xabi Alonso and Kaka dictating the play and Zurich appeared to stand off them at times looking to contain Madrid before hitting them on the counterattack. Higuain seemed to find space at will and after a couple of sighters on Johnny Leoni's goal it seemed certain that the goal would come sooner rather than later.The goal came at the 20 minute mark as the Argentinian evaded very slack marking from the Zurich defence, latching onto a tremendous through ball from Kaka and skipping into the box before beating the hapless Leoni at his near post.Minutes later Alonso stung the palms of Leoni before Marcelo unleashed a stunning volley against the foot of the upright. Madrid were completely dominant and any hopes the visitors had of surprising them on the counter seemed highly unlikely with a tame Alexandre Alphonse effort from distance never troubling Champions League centurion Iker Casillas in the Madrid goal.Silvan Aegerter and Alphonse each had half chances to test Casillas after the break, however both lacked the composure necessary to muster a meaningful strike on goal.Bernard Challandes half-time team talk appeared to be having the desired affect as his team played with a far greater intensity in the second 45, not allowing Madrid's players time on the ball and closing them down at every opportunity.Ronaldo's introduction for the final 20 minutes turned the otherwise hushed atmosphere at the Bernabeu up a couple of decibels and the Swiss resolve seemed to buckle at the very sight of the Portuguese winger as Marcelo crept to the byline and almost fashioned a near post goal for Higuain but it was blocked for a corner by Hannu Tihinen.In the closing stages it was the Swiss that finished as the stronger side with a flurry of set pieces delivered into the Blancos box but the Madrid back line dealt comfortably with the threat and seemed content to run down the clock and take a single goal victory and another step towards the knockout stages.The insurance goal nearly came in the dying minutes, firstly with Rafael Van der Vaart opting to shoot and firing over the advancing Leoni with Higuain better placed to roll the ball into an empty net before Ronaldo almost grabbed the headlines only to be denied by a fine save from Leoni from eight yards out.Higuain's first half strike was enough however as Real take a step closer to the next round while Zurich are condemned to last place in Group C.Paul Madden, Goal.com

Real Madrid Star Ronaldo To Play 30 Minutes Against Zurich

Real Madrid talisman Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play half an hour against Zurich in the UEFA Champions League tie on Wednesday night, and is expected to play half of Sunday's top of the table Primera Liga encounter against Barcelona, according to AS.The Portuguese winger has missed the last ten games for Los Merengues as a result of an ankle injury he picked up in Madrid's second group game of this season's Champions League against Marseille at the Bernabeu. His injury was aggravated on international duty with Portugal, extending his period on the sidelines and Madrid will be keen to ensure that he doesn't suffer a further relapse, and are understood to be preparing a phased return with Ronaldo not expected to play the full 90 minutes in the upcoming games.Prior to Ronaldo's injury Madrid won seven games on the bounce, scoring over three goals per game on average but in his absence they won just five games and averaged less than two goals per game. Despite these startling statistics, Los Blancos are adamant they do not depend entirely on the 24-year-old.Real will be looking for a positive result against the Swiss outfit to secure their place in the knockout stages of the competition they are aiming to win for a tenth time this season.

Paul Madden, Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo Will Resume Training With Real Madrid On Friday

Real Madrid fans can breathe a little easier after the club announced that Cristiano Ronaldo's comeback from his ankle injury is on track.Los Blancos announced via their official website that 'CR9' was thoroughly examined by their medical staff and Dutch doctor Niek van Dijk on Tuesday, and all parties are happy that the player can resume training by the end of the week."After being observed throughout the day by Real Madrid's Medical Services and Dr. Van Dijk, as well as undergoing a clinical examination that included x-rays, it was decided that Cristiano Ronaldo should continue his recovery protocol until the final pre-established date which is next Friday, at which point he can resume group training."Given his lack of fitness, it is highly unlikely that he will be risked by Manuel Pellegrini against Racing Santander this weekend.However, he could feature against FC Zurich in next week's Champions League tie as he looks to gain match practice before the trip to the Camp Nou to face Barcelona in 'el Clasico' in 10 days time.

Anthony Wright, Goal.com