Earlier today, Real Madrid earned a win over Levante in what will certainly boost their confidence ahead of their big match with Barcelona last week.
Given that Lionel Messi has now moved ahead in the race for Spain's top marksman, the pressure was on Cristiano Ronaldo, who had once enjoyed a sizeable margin over his rival to step up and deliver.
However, it turned out not to be his night as two of his efforts resulted in goals - but unfortunately not for the three-time Ballon d'Or winner. Instead it was teammate Gareth Bale, who has rather unfairly been at the brunt of abuse from fans and harsh criticism in Spain who pounced on these opportunities to earn himself a brace, the first goals for him in several months.
Whilst fans were certainly happy with the victory, it did not prevent the media from finding criticism with the team, namely with star man Cristiano Ronaldo.
The reason? His reaction following Bale's opener. Check out some reactions to the incident below from media experts and general viewers:
Ronaldo's extraordinarily stroppy reaction to Bale scoring from a rebound from his effort was bizarre and unhealthy.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 15, 2015
Look at Ronaldo the second Bale scored. https://t.co/rkK0zyyKQV
— Mourinholic (@Mourinholic) March 15, 2015
Frustrated: CR7 once had a good lead over rival Lionel Messi in the top scorer race, but has now slipped to second
The Portuguese star cut a disgruntled and unhappy figure whilst on the pitch, failing to add to his goal tally against Levante
Here is another look at his reaction (VINE):
Others, however, were quick to leap to the La Liga ace's defense, with this viewer summing up his frustrating evening:
In one half, Cristiano Ronaldo hit the post, got a bicycle kick cleared off the line & got an assist instead of a goal. No luck.
— TheCRonaldoFan (@TheCRonaldoFan) March 15, 2015
Another took a closer look at his reaction - could it be interpreted as passion or selfishness?
Ronaldo throwing his body trying to get that header and still getting mad about not scoring. HIS PASSION IS UNREAL
— The Ancelotti Way (@TheAncelottiWay) March 15, 2015
And still another Real Madrid fan pointed out, he certainly is not shy about celebrating his teammates' success:
"Ronaldo never celebrates when his teammates score" yea right... pic.twitter.com/sLCX29VX1v
— Rey LaMadrid (@ReyLaMadrid) March 15, 2015
Here he is with Bale and other teammates after the Welsh international's goal:
As things stand ahead of El Classico, Messi has 32 goals in 27 appearances and Cristiano has 30 goals in 24 appearances.
