Fewer evenings will be cherished more than tonight by Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese forward equalled Raul's record at the summit of the all-time goalscoring chart at Real Madrid.

The forward, who followed up his opening matchday hat-trick against Shakhtar Donetsk with a brace against Malmo here this evening, also netted his 500th career goal as Madrid preserved their 100% start to their Champions League campaign.

Away side establish their superiority

Madrid quickly monopolised possession and went close via long-range efforts from Casemiro and Toni Kroos. Alarmingly, however, both Alvaro Arbeloa and Dani Carvajal were making inroads down the flanks.

Tinnerholm then made a rare foray into enemy territory and stung the palms of Keylor Navas.

Apprehension soon seemed to seep into the makeshift Madrid rearguard as Madrid, despite their dominance, were complacent in building from the back. 

The hosts remained resolute after the opening quarter of an hour, but were fortunate when Karim Benzema’s deft dink over the Malmo backline sailed agonisingly over the head of an onrushing Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Ronaldo opens the scoring

The visitors soon capitalised on a lull from the hosts when they broke swiftly to break the deadlock. Mateo Kovacic picked out Isco between the lines and the Spaniard, with Cristiano Ronaldo delaying his run, slipped the ball into the Portuguese’s path. With only the goalkeeper to beat, he dispatched with conviction to net his 500th career goal. 

Madrid’s influence surged and receded as Karim Benzema and Isco attempted to pry open the opposition backline. Madrid had controlled 72% of the possession approaching half-time.

There was still time for Carvajal to rattle the frame of the goal, however. So too did Ronaldo crash his free-kick into the wall after Isco was upended on the edge of the penalty area.

Visitors in control

The second-half began with Madrid quickly assuming their authority. A move that stretched from their own half ended with Kovacic rasping an effort inches wide of the mark.

Carvajal’s threat was growing down the right-hand side as Malmo retreated deeper into their own half.

The hosts were then left to rue a Djurdjic header when the forward inexplicably mistimed his effort from close range.

Isco was presented with a golden opportunity to extend Madrid’s advantage on 66 minutes when he interchanged with Benzema on the edge of the area before skying his effort into the stands.

With 17 minutes remaining, however, the Swedish outfit carved out their best chance of the evening. Markus Rosenberg, who was pivotal to Malmo’s two-legged victory over Celtic, rose highest from a Tinnerholm cross but could not steer his effort on target.

Madrid preserve 100% start

The home side were consigned to defeat when Yotun received his marching orders 12 minutes from time. Ronaldo forced Wiland into fingertips minutes later.

Luka Modric, who replaced Benzema just after the hour mark, then threaded a tantalising ball through to Ronaldo but the forward was yet again denied by Wiland. 

Fellow substitute Denis Cheryshev later skewed an effort wide.

With Malmo licking their wounds, Ronaldo marked a milestone ocassion with a second after Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez linked-up beautifully to supply the Portuguese. 

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About the author
Craig Vickers
Milk, honey and Andy Murray. Email: craigvickers1998[at]outlook.com