Ronaldo: Backheel goal not my best

Posted Monday, February 27, 2012 by ESPN

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo scored a delightful backheel goal that took everyone by surprise, but he insists that it wasn't the best goal of his career.

The Portuguese forward scored his 29th goal of the season and helped Real Madrid eke out a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano. The two Madrid sides played out an evenly matched game where Rayo came close to equalising twice.

Ronaldo confessed that the goal was impressive even by his high standards but he is sure that it was not the best of his career. Even the opposition goalkeeper Joel Robles told him later that he was mesmerised by Ronaldo's quick thinking.

Ronaldo told Marca.com: "I agree with Joel who told me in the dressing room that the shot was impossible to stop because it was so unexpected!

"As the goal was behind me, I could not even see where the ball would go!"

The ball wound its way past five Rayo defenders who were left completely flummoxed by Ronaldo's sudden backheel shot. Ronaldo was pleased with his effort but he still believes he has scored better.

"The goal was not the first of its kind in my career because I scored a similar one in Manchester.

"I have to watch it on video but I have a feeling that the goal I consider to be the most beautiful of my career may not be one that others consider as being the prettiest," the Portuguese confessed.

Ronaldo's side were made to sweat throughout the game as Rayo tried in vain to equalise. Even Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho was left impressed by the tenacity of their city rivals.

"It is easy to drop points in stadiums like this," Mourinho told reporters after the game according to AS.

"Rayo did not deserve to lose, we can all agree on that.

"The draw would have been a fairer result, because Rayo were great."

He was a bit disappointed, however, at the turnout. He had expected more Real Madrid fans to be present at the match but according to him, only 300 or so showed up.

"What makes me sad is that we were playing in Madrid and we only had 300 fans in the stands.

"I understand that they may not want to go to Bilbao or Malaga, but this match was played in Madrid. The fans have to give us a bit more support."

Ultimately, he is happy that they achieved their objective of scoring three points on the night.

"My players showed they can suffer and they adapted well to a difficult pitch.

"They gave their all and I am happy with them and with the result."