Record-breaker Ronaldo close to breaking Barca’s title grip

Real restored their four-point lead over Barcelona on Wednesday when Ronaldo netted his seventh treble of the campaign in a 4-1 rout of Atletico Madrid to become the first player to notch 40 goals in two consecutive seasons in one of Europe’s top four leagues.

The Portuguese and his team-mates have amassed 104 goals in 32 La Liga games and three more would equal the record Real set in the 1989-90 season under Welsh coach John Toshack.

With six games left, they are closing in on a first domestic league title in four years, although with Barca on a run of ten straight wins and Real’s trip to the Nou Camp looming on 21 April, the destination of the crown is by no means a foregone conclusion.

Ronaldo’s spectacular form – he has also provided 11 assists in the league – has been the main reason Real are closer than ever to ending Barca’s three-year grip on the title and he is full of confidence for the run-in.

“I always believe in myself, knowing that from one moment to the next I can do important things,” said the former Manchester United forward, who joined Real for a record £80million fee in 2009. “We are very confident and we have our fate in our own hands, which is crucial.”

However, Ronaldo will have to be careful to avoid a ban. Should he pick up a yellow card, he would miss “El Clasico” through suspension.

“The team is in good form, confident and ready for its next game,” Ronaldo added. “I’ve been one booking short of a suspension for two months, but I’m behaving myself.”

Last night’s clash with Atletico was viewed as a major hurdle for Jose Mourinho’s men but, thanks to Ronaldo, it was cleared with some ease.

“We were a little tense because Barcelona won on Tuesday and we were forced to win, so mission accomplished. We have to win our remaining games to increase our chances of winning the title,” he added.

Barca have their own record-breaker in World Player of the Year Messi, who scored his 39th league goal of the campaign in Tuesday’s 4-0 win at home to Getafe, his 61st in all competitions compared to 52 for Ronaldo.

Pep Guardiola’s side visit fifth-placed Levante in tomorrow’s late kick-off (2000) and could find themselves seven points behind Real by then.

“We have to focus on what will be one of the toughest games we have left away from home,” said Guardiola.

Barca have trimmed their deficit by six points in three weeks following the Madrid club’s draws against Malaga, Villarreal and Valencia and probably have a slightly easier run-in, as well as home advantage in ‘El Clasico’. If the two teams finish level on points the title will be decided on head-to-head record. “From here on all the matches are like finals,” said Barca forward Pedro, who has rediscovered his scoring touch after returning from injury.

“We have managed our goal of cutting the gap, but it’s still going to be tough to knock off the points that divide us.”