Anniversary for Ruud?

Real Madrid-striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is on the threshold of a fine milestone in the Champions League. The Barbant born player only needs one goal to reach the total of 50 in this major tournament.

He will undoubtedly start tonight against Werder Bremen. The Oranje striker came back from the two qualification matches with little pains and injuries and was rested against Almeria.

Real coach Schuster: “We didn’t want to take any chances. And Ruud will benefit, since he will be fit and rested and totally sharp as always.”

If Ruud can continue his effectiveness (two goals in two international games for Oranje) his anniversary will be a fact. He scored 49 times already, 8 times for PSV, 35 for Man U and 6 for Real Madrid. He only needed 61 matches (!!) for the 49 goals.

Only one player reached that milestone before Ruud, and that’s his striker partner at Real, Raul. The club icon made 56 goals in 108 duels (ratio anyone?).

Van Nistelrooy never played a game in the UEFA tournament and had his most prolific season in 2002/03 when he scored 12 goals in 9 games.

Real Madrid can use those statistics. Calderon invested 119 million euros this season and would like to see his team do better than the last seasons when they were sent home early in the knock out stages. The last victory of Real was in 2003.

Calderón: “We didn’t spend all that money, as our competitors say, we invested! I’m convinced we will do well in Europe with these new signings. I think we have one of the best teams in Europe at the moment.”