Ronaldo keen to play part in El Clasico after return

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo was quick to switch his focus to El Clasico with Barcelona this weekend after making his return to action against FC Zurich following almost two months out through injury.

AP

Ronaldo returned to action against FC Zurich

Ronaldo appeared as a 70th-minute substitute in the 1-0 Champions League win over the Swiss side on Wednesday, the Portugal international making his first appearance for Madrid since sustaining an ankle injury at the end of September.

Ronaldo was unable to mark his comeback with a goal, although he did come close near at the end when he was denied as Zurich goalkeeper Johnny Leoni dived low to his left.

Having only returned to full training on Friday, he told Spanish television channel Telemadrid: "I'm tired because I'm still not at 100%, but I'm sure I will return to be how I was before the injury, scoring goals, having good games and helping the team."

Ronaldo, who scored nine goals in helping Madrid win their opening seven competitive games this season, has been sorely missed by the Spanish giants, who won just half of their ten matches in his absence and were embarrassingly dumped out of the Copa del Rey by third tier Alcorcon.

He received a loud cheer from the Madrid supporters when he started warming up during the second half of the Zurich game, and then another ovation when he replaced club captain Raul.

"I had a very good reception and now I want to show them the best of me," he said. "I want to play in the Clasico if I feel good, although that is the reasonability of the coach. In any case, with or without me, the team are first in La Liga and in their Champions League group.

"Good players always have to play. (Against Zurich) I didn't score, but I hope to do in the following game. It doesn't bother me if it's 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 - the important thing is to win."