Nine years at Real Madrid: 9 most iconic CR7 moments

#5. Copa del Rey winner vs Barcelona in 2011

Cristiano celebrates with Arbeloa after scoring

Despite having a great start to his Real Madrid career, Ronaldo was often criticized for going missing in the big games. His critics often blasted him for failing to deliver when it mattered; he silenced each and every one of them with his performance in the Copa del Ray final of 2011.

Uncharacteristically, the fiercely fought El Clasico ended in a stalemate after 90 minutes. Real Madrid were seeking their 18th Copa del Rey and their first major trophy in three seasons. It had been 18 long years since they last won the tournament, now was the time for a hero to emerge. There was just man who could grab the headlines.

With just 90 seconds remaining in the first half of exra-time, Ronaldo rose above the likes of Pique and Mascherano and nodded the ball beyond Jose Pinto from Angel Di Maria's cross. This being the only goal of the game helped give the Los Blancos their first trophy of the CR7 era.

The Bernabeu giants would use that victory as a springboard for future success.