Ancelotti: Ronaldo destined to break Raul's record - but not today

Posted Wednesday, November 05, 2014 by Goal.com

The Portuguese remains lingering one goal shy of the all-time highest scoring tally in the competition and his coach says he was just unfortunate not to strike against Liverpool

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says Cristiano Ronaldo is destined to break Raul's record for goals scored in the Champions League, despite not having scored against Liverpool on Tuesday.

The Blancos forward failed to score for the first time since the clash against Atletico Madrid at the start of September as the reigning European champions shuffled past Brendan Rodgers' men at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ronaldo, 29, may now have to watch Lionel Messi reach Raul's tally before him if the Barcelona forward scores twice on Wednesday at Ajax, but Ancelotti is certain his Ballon d'Or winner's moment will come soon.

"The game went well, although we could not score the second goal," the Italian mused to reporters.

"Cristiano tried to score many times, he combined well with others but was unlucky and the goalkeeper Simon Mignolet made some good saves.

"I'm sure that he will break the record, no problem. Was it anxiety? Well sooner or later he will break the record because this is the destiny of Cristiano."

Despite Real Madrid not battering Liverpool the way they did in the return fixture a fortnight ago, Ancelotti does not think turning up the gears was needed on Tuesday and praised Karim Benzema for being in the form of his life right now.

"We had the match under control so we didn't need a high pace," the coach added. "We tried to score the second goal and we had chances. The aim is to finish first now.

"Since I've been at Madrid, this is the best moment for Benzema. I really like what he brings to the team and how he works.

"Substitute Gareth Bale [returning from injury] did well too. He's ready to play more games."

Real Madrid are now through to the last 16 of the Champions League and can seal top spot in Group B with a draw in one of their final two games.