Ronaldo back in business

Ronaldo earned himself a pat on the back from coach Wanderley Luxemburgo after the Brazilian World Cup winner spectacularly ended his two-month goal drought for Real Madrid.

Ronaldo's 27th minute strike gave Real a 1-1 draw at defending champions Valencia on Saturday to keep alive their hopes of catching Barcelona at the top of the Spanish championship.

It was also a relief for the Brazilian whose 12th goal of the season was his first since Janaury 16 - an agonising wait of 453 minutes.

"Ronaldo is the best in the world at what he does," said Luxemburgo. "I knew he would return to scoring."

The goal, which equalised Pablo Aimar's opener for Valencia, came after some good work by Guti who freed Ronaldo in the box but the Brazilian still had plenty of work to do before passing a defender and the goalkeeper to score.

It was also a timely morale-booster ahead of Wednesday's Champions League trip to Juventus where Real are defending a 1-0 first leg lead.

Real's England striker Michael Owen had to miss the game due to flu and is doubtful for the trip to Italy.