Today, for some specific random reason, some texts came to mind that I decided to make them real. They are texts aimed at goal-scorers. I was remembering when I was younger, around 16 or 17 years old, and I was counting historical stats of some of the top goalscorers of the past. Those were good times, and they were interesting statistics. However, I'm not that interested anymore. Today, as much as ARFSH has its statistics section — as much as I don't like it, I'm thinking of expanding it further —, I ended up leaving aside therefore I could focus on much more important aspects in football.

This will be the first column on the topic. Looking back on that period, I remember the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League, especially Cristiano Ronaldo. I remember that he was already in a much more reduced phase, in terms of roles on the field, than in previous seasons. At that time, Cristiano Ronaldo had reduced his area and was much more focused on scoring goals than anything else. I, moreover, must point out that Real Madrid C.F. had changed its game system to 4-4-2, with Isco replacing Gareth Bale.

I remember very well that Cristiano Ronaldo did not have the group stage that was expected of him in that edition. I remember several criticisms made of him for the absence of goals and, mainly, a drop in performance.

However, what happens after both matches against Napoli is out of this world. It could be Bayern München, Atlético Madrid or Juventus, for Cristiano Ronaldo there was no difference; he scored anyway. He wasn't a player to have any doubts about him being decisive when the team needed him most. I remember well that he gave the impression of scoring goals at any time. The more difficult the match was, the more decisive he became. He was an extraordinary scorer, spectacular, a frightening player.

Yes, there were irregular goals against Bayern, but what sticks in my memory are the clutch moments performed by that machine called Cristiano Ronaldo.

Another memory I have from that edition is that Lionel Messi, at least until the Final, was the top scorer in the competition. Cristiano scored two goals against Juventus and became the top scorer of that edition.

That was a scary version of Cristiano Ronaldo on knockout stages. Impressive.