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With FIFA's 'Club of the century' awarded to them, 13-time UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid boast of unparalleled success over the decades. Their rich history has been trophy laden and glorious, making them one of the greatest clubs in world football.
Los Blancos have formed a special bond with the UEFA Champions League. Real Madrid are obsessed with European glory, winning the competition more than any other club in the world. Tasting European success is an obsession for the Spanish giants and it is no surprise that the biggest tournament in club football is usually their priority.
Santiago Bernabeu has been home to many legends over the years. With Real Madrid's constant hunger to sign 'Galacticos', they have seen many superstars donning the royal white jerseys. Some of these great footballers have etched their names in the history books with their performance and caliber.
These legends have not only made a mark in Real Madrid's history but have written a chapter of their own in the UEFA Champions League. Today, we will take a look at five Real Madrid legends who have been pioneers in goalscoring in the Champions League. Without further ado, here is a look at the
Top 5 goalscorers for Real Madrid in UEFA Champions League history
Note: This list only considers players who scored in the competition for Real Madrid after the European Cup was rebranded as the UEFA Champions League in 1992.
#5 Gareth Bale - 16 goals
Gareth Bale, a member of the famed 'BBC' trio, has been one of the most pivotal players in Real Madrid's European success. After arriving for a then world record fee from Tottenham Hotspur, the Welshman immediately ended Los Blancos' long wait for Champions League glory.
Bale's goal helped Real Madrid take the lead against Atletico Madrid in the 2014 UEFA Champions League final, ensuring Real Madrid win 'La Decima'.
The winger also played a crucial role under Zinedine Zidane, when the Spanish giants won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles. Bale's sensational strike against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final remains one of the best in the tournament's history.
Bale has scored 16 goals in 55 UEFA Champions League games at Real Madrid, level with legends Luis Figo and Guti. With the forward still at the club, he will likely have a chance to score some more goals.
#4 Fernando Morientes - 17 goals
During Morientes's eight-year tenure at the club, the Spaniard formed a devastating partnership upfront with compatriot Raul. Fernando Morientes won three UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, scoring 17 goals in 58 games in the tournament.
Although Morientes was known for his chemistry with Raul, he was also a brilliant finisher. Morientes was not only renowned for being decisive in front of goal but was also known for his ability to create chances and utilize space in the final third.
Morientes's best moment came when he scored the opener against Valencia in the final in 2000 to pave the way for Real Madrid's eighth UEFA Champions League title.
#3 Karim Benzema - 60 goals
One of the top goalscorers in UEFA Champions League history, Karim Benzema will undoubtedly retire as one of Real Madrid's greatest forwards. A mainstay in Los Blancos' attack for over a decade, Benzema has played a crucial role in the team's success in the competition.
Benzema formed a scintillating partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale which was decisive in Real Madrid's success in the previous decade. The French forward was happy to drift down and create space for his teammates but he did score when necessary.
Benzema has racked up 60 goals and 24 assists in 113 appearances in the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid. Since Ronaldo's departure, Benzema has been leading Los Blancos' attack and has turned up with goals in crucial moments.
The 33-year old is currently enjoying one of his best starts to the campaign. It goes without saying that he will score more in the competition if he keeps up his form.
#2 Raul - 66 goals
Before the arrival of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul was the highest goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League. Once the Champions League's numero uno, Raul was also an iconic and lovable figure at the Santiago Bernabeu due to his prowess.
Raul scored 66 goals in his 130 UEFA Champions League games for Los Blancos. The Spanish legend went on to win three UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, scoring in the finals against Valencia and Bayer Leverkusen respectively.
Raul's exploits with the Royal Whites are a testament to the greatness of the forward. The 'prince of Real Madrid' was the other half of the duo whose attacking partnership would propel the Spanish giants to glory during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo - 105 goals
Cristiano Ronaldo needs no introduction. Since arriving from Manchester United in 2009, the Portuguese great has gone on to become Real Madrid's greatest goalscorer of all time. Ronaldo has also been dubbed 'Mr Champions League' due to his exploits.
Out of his 450 goals for Los Blancos, 105 of them came in the UEFA Champions League. It goes without saying that Ronaldo's goals helped Real Madrid win four UEFA Champions League titles during his nine-year stay at the club. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner helped the Spanish giants reach unparalleled heights which included Real Madrid winning the title three consecutive times.
Ronaldo has marked his time in the Spanish capital with numerous records. He has scored the most number of goals, the most goals in a single campaign and has made the most appearances for Real Madrid in UEFA Champions League history.
