Real Madrid earned a 2-0 win over America of Mexico in the Club World Cup semifinals Thursday, extending the club's record unbeaten streak to 36 matches. But that wasn't the only big accomplishment.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the 500th club goal of his illustrious career, grabbing his team's second in the dying minutes. Take a look.
Así fue el (confuso) gol de @cristiano tras un pase de James. #MundialDeClubes@johnlaguna3@marianot19https://t.co/BIoMzAZtPy
— FOX Deportes (@FOXDeportes) December 15, 2016
The goal didn't come without some controversy. After Ronaldo scored, the officials waved it off claiming he was offside. Seconds later, after the video replay feature was used, the video assistant referee awarded Ronaldo the goal.
Ronaldo scores, ref takes it off him for offside, then re-awards goal as replay eventually confirms it: "The television doesn't work huh?" pic.twitter.com/iANmNJlwNs
— Brenton Speed (@BrentonSpeed) December 15, 2016
It's worth noting that for the first time in a FIFA competition, video replay is being used to review questionable calls. The system was used for the first time on Wednesday to award the Kashima Antlers of Japan a penalty against Atletico Nacional of Colombia.
Back to the milestone goal. This was Ronaldo's 377th career goal for Real Madrid. He had 118 for Manchester United and five for Sporting Lisboa. He reaches the mark in his 689th career club appearance.
Included in those 500 career club goals are 40 hat tricks, with more goals coming against Sevilla (22) than any other club.
To put this mark into context can be tricky, as what goals count can differ from league to league and many records are often disputed. But get this -- Pele scored over 500 career club goals, while guys like Gerd Muller and Diego Maradona never did. Lionel Messi of Barcelona has 475.
Not too shabby.
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