Ronaldo closes in on Van Nistelrooy and all-time Champions League top scorers

The Portuguese, who has already struck five times in Europe this season, will draw level with the Dutchman if he nets against the Bianconeri at the Santiago Bernabeu

Cristiano Ronaldo will be out to overhaul Ruud van Nistelrooy and move into third place on the all-time Champions League goalscorers' list when Real Madrid take on Juventus on Wednesday night.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TOP 10 GOALSCORERS

NO.  PLAYER GOALS   1 Raul (above) 71   2 Lionel Messi 63   3 Ruud van Nistelrooy 56   4 Cristiano Ronaldo 55   5 Thierry Henry 50   6 Andriy Shevchenko 48   7 Filippo Inzaghi 46   8 Alessandro Del Piero 42   9 Didier Drogba 41 =10 Karim Benzema 33 =10 Fernando Morientes 33 =10 Zlatan Ibrahimovic 33

The Blancos ace has been in scintillating form in this season's tournament, having netted five times in his first two outings, against Galatasaray and Copenhagen, to take his tally in Europe's premier club cup competition (excluding qualifying rounds) to 55 goals from 94 matches.

Consequently, Ronaldo is now just one place and one goal behind former PSV, Manchester United and Madrid hot shot Van Nistelrooy.

The Dutchman, who will be fielding your questions on Twittervia @Heineken using #sharethesofa during Wednesday night's action, struck a staggering 56 times in just 73 appearances in the Champions League proper, meaning the now-retired striker averaged 0.77 goals per game.

Only Lionel Messi can boast a more impressive strike rate. The Barcelona superstar, who strengthened his grip on second place in the all-time top 10 with his first-half effort against AC Milan on Tuesday night, has now scored 63 goals in 81 matches, which works out at 0.78 goals per game.

If he maintains that consistency, Messi could conceivably usurp Real Madrid icon Raul at the summit of the standings as the Argentine is now just eight goals behind the Spanish striker, who netted 71 times in 144 games.

The ultimate Galactico: How Zidane's €75m move to Madrid helped change the modern game

The French World Cup winner, now assistant coach to Carlo Ancelotti, was the cornerstone of the first Florentino Perez project and a new strategy in football and marketing

ANALYSIS
By Ben Hayward | Spanish Football Writer

Florentino Perez peered into the past. His inspiration: Real Madrid's revered side of the late 1950s and 1960s - legends like Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas, Paco Gento. The year was 2000 and the new president sought something similar: a team filled with the world's finest footballers. Luis Figo lit the touchpaper with his explosive move from Barcelona that summer, but the Galacticos' great star was to be Zinedine Zidane. 

Florentino flexed his muscles. Juventus tired in telling Madrid that there was "no way" the Spanish side would sign Zidane. But Florentino found a way; Perez coincided with Zizou at a gala in Monte Carlo and passed the player a serviette, upon which was scribbled a question: 'Do you want to play for Real Madrid?' Zidane was passed a pen, he wrote 'Yes' and the French World Cup winner moved to Spain in a €75 million move in the summer of 2001. 

Flown in to a military airport to avoid the expectant Madrid media, Zidane bemused his new audience as he spoke in French at his unveiling. Nevertheless, as both he and his president addressed the press pack, the message was clear: Madrid were building the best team in the world, with the planet's finest footballers. And Zidane was the cornerstone of the Perez project, Part 1.

It was a bold, brave strategy. Previously, clubs like Juventus, Barcelona and Manchester United had been able to hold on to their best players with relative ease when other top teams came calling. But the Perez plan to make Madrid the most glamorous and grandiose club on and off the pitch was appealing to the world's top talents - and there was plenty of money to make it happen.

Zidane's first two seasons were a success: a stunning strike from the Frenchman himself delivered La Novena - a ninth title in the European Cup/Champions League in 2001-02. The Intercontinental Cup came next in the summer and then La Liga in 2002-03. Suddenly, Madrid were the dominant force Florentino had hoped they would be - even if the president had only been in charge for the last of the club's three Champions League wins in five years.

Dubious decisions followed, however, with Vicente del Bosque allowed to leave at the end of his contract in 2003 and defensive midfielder Claude Makelele sold to Chelsea. The plan to bring on young players alongside star signings, dubbed Zidanes y Pavones, also failed as the homegrown talents turned out to be of insufficient quality. Madrid went into decline and, ultimately, Perez departed under a cloud in 2006.

Zidane's final campaign came in that very season and proved something of a disappointment; at almost 34 the midfielder looked slow and beyond the peak of his powers, although he did go on to shine at the World Cup in Germany, leading France to the brink of a second title before his ill-fated headbutt on Marco Materazzi and defeat on penalties to Marcello Lippi's Italy.

Perez, however, has long maintained that his policy of signing the world's most expensive players is the correct one. "One hundred million can be cheap and €20 million can be expensive," he said in 2009. "Zidane cost €73 million and he was the cheapest player we signed ..."

The construction magnate was referring to monies accrued through merchandising, shirt sales, lucrative pre-season friendlies, image rights and so on. Zidane, on arrival, was the world's best player and the Frenchman made Madrid a greater global brand. So even though success on the pitch was at a premium, the former France captain is estimated to have paid back his transfer fee, and more, over the course of his five-year spell - all through merchandising and sponsorship.

Seven years on, Madrid find themselves in a somewhat similar situation: Florentino presides over the world's richest club, yet success on the pitch has not quite lived up to expectations. Just one Liga title, one Copa del Rey and a Spanish Supercopa in Perez's second spell is insufficient return for such significant investment. But the president will not be swayed. For Figo and Zidane in his first spell, read Ronaldo and Gareth Bale this time around. "The best players are not expensive," the club chief reiterated in the summer, as Madrid set out to spend €100m on the Welshman.

It all started with Figo back in 2000, but Zidane was, and remains, the ultimate Galactico for Florentino. The Frenchman's signing was a huge statement of intent and defined a strategy which has changed the face of modern football - off the pitch. And with Zizou back alongside coach Carlo Ancelotti and being groomed to lead the club in future, Perez will now hope he helps Madrid mark an epoque on the pitch, too. /goal.com

Milan and Barcelona sing Kaká's praises

AC Milan players had plenty to smile about after a 1-1 home draw with FC Barcelona, but the performance of Kaká perhaps stood out. The 31-year-old, who returned to Milan this summer after four seasons at Real Madrid CF, set up Robinho's early opener and inspired much of the Rossoneri's better play. Riccardo Montolivo and Marco Amelia were purring, and even players from Barcelona, who equalised through Lionel Messi, had praise. "I'm very happy for him," said fellow Brazilian Adriano.

Riccardo Montolivo, Milan captain
We are satisfied if also a bit disappointed because I think we had the chance to score a second. However we were up against a very strong Barcelona so let's take this point and go on. They have exceptional players. I have faced them many times now and Barcelona and Spain are two extraordinary sides. I think we played well and it's not the first time we have against them. But the road to qualification is still very long.

We started well, we had great quality especially in the attacking transitions. Robinho, Kaká and Valter [Birsa] all played very well. We didn't do so well in the second half but we still managed to create a couple of good chances and we could have hurt them. I think the team must be satisfied with a point and more so with our approach to the game.

Kaká made a great contribution in terms of quality. Barcelona were advancing with their usual ball possession, so we could steal the ball only very deep but Kaká gave us the chance to counterattack from there with his runs. I'm sure he will become a key player for us.

Marco Amelia, Milan goalkeeper
I think Kaká's performance was the most important thing of the night for us. It's good for the whole environment here, it's good for the rest of the squad, for the fans and it's good for him. He seems very motivated and serene, and his usual pace on the pitch is back. He is still is a great champion. I don't think there is much difference between the player he was here at Milan before leaving and the player he is now. He just needs more stamina to be able to play like that for the whole 90 minutes.

We are very satisfied with the point even if we went close to taking all three in the end. We played well, giving away almost nothing to Barcelona. Maybe we caused them trouble by playing without an outright striker, but I think the whole team did well, fighting hard and not defending too deep. Their goal came from a mistake of us in losing possession. I think we are growing as a team and this point is good for morale. We will go to the Camp Nou to make another step towards qualification.

Adriano, Barcelona defender
We knew it was going to be very difficult. Unfortunately we were not able to grab the three points as we wanted, but a draw must be seen as an important step towards the next round. We can be very satisfied also with the level of our performance. We kept possession for longer than Milan. We're improving match by match and this can give us an extra boost for our domestic games, too.

The next Champions League game, at home against Milan, may be a defining moment for the group. I cannot say that we're strong favourites, but we will be playing at the Camp Nou. Lionel Messi was instrumental tonight, as he can be in any game. It was a bad time for us when Milan were leading, but we stole a ball in midfield and he scored the equaliser. I'm very happy for Kakà, for the champion he is and for the person he is. He was Milan's best player tonight and I do hope he continues like this.

Xavi Hernández, Barcelona captain
The only thing missing was the second goal. We dominated with the exception of the first five minutes. We created a few chances and provided a good account of ourselves. It's never easy to play at San Siro, so we can be glad about the point even if we wanted three – I think we deserved them. We are still unbeaten and we are playing well. There was good intensity tonight and we can be satisfied for the level of our performance.

Champions League: Fernando Torres inspires Chelsea to a 3-0 win over Schalke

Two goals from Fernando Torres and a late strike from Eden Hazard gave Chelsea a much-needed 3-0 win over Schalke in Gelsenkirchen.

It was a professional display from Jose Mourinho's side, as they weathered some good attacking spells from a lively home side but picked their opponents off with three expertly taken goals, two via slick breakaways.

Mourinho's side are now top of Group E after Basel could only draw with Steaua Bucharest in Romania.

Schalke's defence which was exposed early on when Frank Lampard's inswinging corner was glanced on by Branislav Ivanovic.

The ball evaded the Schalke defence and goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand for Torres to nod in at the far post.

Schalke enjoyed plenty of possession and were dynamic in attack. Kevin-Prince Boateng, once of Tottenham and Portsmouth, Christian Clemens, Julian Draxler and Max Meyer operated as a fluid front four, without finding a clinical final pass or shot.

Twice Petr Cech saved when a Schalke player was offside, while Atsuto Uchida passed up a glorious opportunity when played in by Roman Neustadter, lifting his shot high.

Chelsea were struggling to get the ball, let alone keep it. But there were still warning signs for Schalke and a dazzling Hazard run went unrewarded as the ball became caught under the Belgian's feet inside the Schalke box.

A Schalke surge closed the first half, with Azpilicueta blocking from Meyer when Cech could only claw away a Dennis Aogo cross before the goalkeeper tipped over a Boateng shot.

From the resulting corner Cech had to acrobatically tip over a header from the unmarked Neustadter.

The next set-piece resulted in a goalmouth scramble which ended when Benedikt Howedes backheeled wide.

John Terry then blocked from Draxler as the half ended with Chelsea's slender advantage intact.

The visitors had little respite early in the second half, but came close to extending their advantage when Lampard lofted a free-kick into the box and Torres leapt to meet it, his header rebounding down off the woodwork.

A Schalke set-piece troubled the visitors once more when Howedes lost his marker, but headed wide.

The hosts were made to pay in thrilling style by a Hazard-inspired break.

As another Schalke attack broke down, the Belgian nipped in ahead of a sliding Aogo and burst into the Schalke half - where Oscar assumed possession.

Three blue-shirted attackers swarmed forward and the Brazilian showed great strength to hold off Jones and play the ball square for Torres.

The Spaniard's first touch wrong-footed Hildebrand and he was able to fire in to complete a scintillating counter-attack.

Recognising Chelsea had exerted the near knockout blow, Mourinho brought on defensive midfielder John Obi Mikel for Schurrle and Luiz for Oscar.

The Blues then showed a ruthless streak with a late third. Ramires prodded the ball forward for Hazard to run half of the field, Torres provided a distraction and the Belgian tucked in to complete victory.

Former Arsenal and Tottenham defender William Gallas agrees move to Perth Glory

Perth Glory have agreed a deal to sign former France international defender William Gallas.

The 36-year-old former Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal defender had considered a switch to USA's MLS but opted for a move down under after being impressed by Glory's proposal.

"After speaking to (Glory coach) Alistair Edwards and (CEO) Jason Brewer, the passion and ambition in the voices of both gentlemen enticed me to this new challenge in Australia," Gallas told Fox Sports Australia.

"I look forward to wearing with pride the jersey of Perth Glory for this season.

"I hope to help my new team-mates and club achieve success in this season and hope to help deliver to the fans of Perth the championship they are looking for.

"I look forward to this new challenge and hope to excite the fans."

Negotiations between the former Tottenham defender and Glory took weeks but Brewer was thrilled to finally get his man.

"I'm absolutely delighted that Perth Glory has been able to attract someone of William Gallas' quality," he said.

"It demonstrates the growing reputation of the Hyundai A-League and its ability to attract world-class players.

"William Gallas has played at the highest level in some of the most intense rivalries in the world, so the leadership he can provide to our up-and-coming younger players will be invaluable."

Gallas is the latest big-name signing to play in the A-League in recent seasons, joining former international stars Alessandro Del Piero, Shinji Ono, Harry Kewell and Emile Heskey.

Champions League: Borussia Dortmund delight Jurgen Klopp in Arsenal win

Jurgen Klopp believes Borussia Dortmund took 'a big step' with a UEFA Champions League victory over Arsenal on Tuesday.

Last season's beaten finalists required a late winner from Robert Lewandowski to claim a 2-1 success at Emirates Stadium, but they more than held their own against an in-form Gunners outfit.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan edged the Bundesliga outfit in front, only to see Olivier Giroud level matters before half-time.

Lewandowski was to have the final say, as Dortmund struck on the counter, and Klopp believes his side are starting to recapture the form which saw them win a host of admirers in 2012/13.

He told Sky Sports: "It's a big step for us. Now we are back in the race, that's the most important message.

"I think most people thought it would be close, but the winner will be Arsenal. There were some moments in the game when it could be like this.

"We had one or two really close situations, lucky situations for us - when Mats (Hummels) was on the line and other things.

"But we were playing in London, it's a really hard game for us. But my team was very concentrated from the first moment, they did a better start in the game and made a better start in the second half. Then the match got more open, but that's normal.

"We didn't come here to dominate Arsenal in London, we came here to get a result - and that's what we did."

Champions League: Arsene Wenger left to rue late lapse against Borussia Dortmund

Arsene Wenger was left to rue a late lapse in concentration as Arsenal were undone on the counter against Borussia Dortmund.

The Gunners had hauled themselves back into an eagerly-anticipated UEFA Champions League clash, with the scores locked at 1-1 as they pushed for a winner.

They were, however, to leave themselves open at the back and Dortmund swept forward eight minutes from time, allowing Kevin Grosskreutz to provide the delivery for Robert Lewandowski to volley home a dramatic clincher.

Wenger admitted afterwards that his side had become too adventurous and were left to pay the price.

He told Sky Sports: "It's difficult to take because I would agree that we were maybe not at our most fluent tonight going forward, but at that moment we were on top.

"We lost the game because we maybe wanted so much to win it that we forgot that if you cannot win it, don't lose it. That's what is most annoying because we put a lot of effort in.

"We started hesitant. At the end of the day, we went 1-0 down and when you don't start well it is difficult to get back into the game. But we did well and in the second half we were on top of it.

"We just forgot to be cautious. We were not cautious enough and we paid for it."

With Napoli seeing off Marseille 2-1 in Tuesday's other Group F fixture, there are now three sides sat on six points after three outings.

Asked what it will take for the Gunners to remain on course for the knockout stage, ahead of a return date in Dortmund on 6th November, Wenger added: "It will take three points away from home now."