Ranking Real Madrid’s five best moments in El Clasico history

3. Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘calma’ celebration

The Portuguese superstar tasted his first La Liga victory over arch-rivals FC Barcelona in 2012 almost three years from his arrival at Madrid in the summer of 2009. On April 21, 2012, the two clubs met at Camp Nou.

While Sami Khedira broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, Alexis Sanchez equalized for the Catalans in the 70th minute. But three minutes later, Cristiano Ronaldo sealed all three points on offer for Los Blancos. Thanks to one of the most important goals in his wondrous career which was followed up by an iconic celebration that all Madridistas remember clear as ever.

Ronaldo ran onto a Mesut Ozil through ball played almost from the mid-line finding him right outside the box. He then ran around Victor Valdes who stepped out of his position before firing it into an open net from an acute angle. The world-class striker then produced one of his most famous ‘calma’ celebration in front of a silenced Camp Nou.

However, the 100,000 spectators at Camp Nou reverted with various insults to the Madrid No. 7. His goal made Los Blancos take a comfortable lead towards their first La Liga title since 2008. This was the Catalan’s first home loss in 55 matches. And only six days later Pep Guardiola announced his intention to leave as Barcelona Manager. We do not know if Ronaldo’s goal led to his decision but it may as well have been a contributing factor.