Even Real Madrid didn't think Ronaldo would be the 'Pichichi'

Cristiano Ronaldo has improved as the season has progressed and has shown his effectiveness in the Champions League. In November of last year, Leo Messi was eleven goals ahead of the Portugal international, but the gap is narrowing.

It was unexpected that Ronaldo would be competing for the 'Pichichi' (the Spanish version of the Golden Boot), but as is always the case with football, the game can be full of surprises. The Portuguese forward bet a significant sum of money, at the start of the season that he would become the top goal scorer and only two of his other Real Madrid team-mates agreed.

The money raised, regardless of the result, will go to charity, therefore avoiding any issues with the Tax Office. The two Real players who backed Ronaldo may well turn out to be right in their predictions. 

The striker has nearly caught up to Leo Messi after his last match against Girona. Ronaldo currently has 22 goals to his name whilst Messi is just three ahead with 25.