What's the story?
Former Real Madrid player and manager Jorge Valdano is of the opinion that his former side can no longer compete with La Liga rivals Barcelona, especially in terms of goals, in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.
In case you didn't know...
Last summer, Los Blancos let go of their all-time top scorer Ronaldo, who has since gone on to become the Serie A's top scorer and assister as he continues his exploits at Juventus.
While the Bianconeri sit at the top of the Italian top flight, Real Madrid are struggling to maintain the consistency required for a title chase and are nine points away from leaders Barcelona.
Meanwhile, the Blaugrana are thriving under the leadership of Messi, who seems to have overcome his injury to do what he does best. The Argentine has scored 33 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions for the side and does not look like he's stopping anytime soon.
The heart of the matter
Valdano has now opined that without the goal-scoring efficiency of Ronaldo, Real Madrid don't stand a chance at overtaking Barcelona's goal tally.
The former Blancos boss said (via the Express UK), "When they had a guy in their team who had such a knack for putting the ball away, Madrid were characterised by how clinical they were in front of goal."
"But he's no longer there. Barça have a superstar in their ranks and Madrid don't anymore; Cristiano leaving has had a crucial effect."
"Without Ronaldo, Madrid find it much harder to come through games that they don't deserve to win."
Valdano adds that while Los Blancos have a promising talent in Vinicius Jr, he is not as refined in his finishing.
"Madrid's problem is that when they reach the danger area, they're in the hands of a young lad who's very good, but who isn't yet the finished article."
"When Raul was at the stage of his career that Vinicius finds himself at right now, we had him working like crazy, all day long, on improving his finishing."
"The ability to find the net is, of course, something you can develop on the training ground, and Vinicius will do that and will improve. He just needs to learn to take his time and lift his head up."
What's next?
Real Madrid are set to host Barcelona in La Liga tonight.