Van Nistelrooy starts making it tough for Ronaldo

Real Madrid's new signing Ruud van Nistelrooy earned the plaudits of the Spanish sports press yesterday after scoring twice in a pre-season friendly against Anderlecht. The Dutch international, who joined Real for 15 million euros from Manchester...

Real Madrid's new signing Ruud van Nistelrooy earned the plaudits of the Spanish sports press yesterday after scoring twice in a pre-season friendly against Anderlecht.

The Dutch international, who joined Real for 15 million euros from Manchester United last month scored two first-half goals to give his side a 2-1 win over the Belgians on Wednesday.

The striker's performance led some papers to conclude that the club would now find it easier to sell Ronaldo to Milan.

"It's going to be difficult for Ronaldo," said sports daily Marca.

"Madrid have got a pure centre-forward once more, a specialist in scoring goals," said Marca's rival AS. "His two goals will do a lot to undermine the future of Ronaldo at the club and no one is worried about it."

Real Madrid open their league campaign at home to Villarreal on Sunday.

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