5 times Ronaldo gave penalty to teammates

Cristiano Ronaldo's tryst with the penalties is unlike anything. The Portuguese loves scoring them, while the rival fanbase loves taking a dig at it. In fact, there have been derogatory terms invented (which I'm not even going to say) taunting his penchant for striking from the spot. But in an act of compassion against Alaves yesterday, the 33-year old generously gave away a penalty to the beleaguered Karim Benzema to boost him.

Ronaldo was just a goal away from his 50th career hat-trick and a 300th league goal at the same time, but he instead chose to throw away the opportunity to help his fellow Galactico regain confidence after what has been an uncharacteristically long dry spell for the Frenchman.

However, this isn't the first time we're witnessing Ronaldo give a penalty to his teammate rather than taking himself; for there have been multiple instances before. Here's a look at the top 5 of them.

#1 To Kaka vs Villarreal (2009/10)

The summer overhaul of 2009 saw several stellar names signing for Los Blancos. Cristiano Ronaldo aside, the likes of Karim Benzema, Xabi Alonso and even Kaka made their way to the Santiago Bernabeu. But the Portuguese forged a fearsome partnership with his Brazilian mate as the two trampled defences underfoot.

During one such thrashing against Villarreal at home, Gonzalo Higuain won a penalty after being fouled inside the box with Blancos already leading. Ronaldo, who had opened the scorings just three minutes earlier, opted to give Kaka a chance to get on the scoresheet, and the former Milan forward made no mistake, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Ronaldo, on his part, looked ecstatic and was the first person to run to him and embrace. Who says he doesn't like his teammates scoring?

#2 To Alonso vs Villarreal (2009/10)

In that very same game, Real Madrid were awarded a second penalty just three minutes from time with the tie already sewn up at 5-2. Kaka and Higuain had bagged a brace each by then, and Ronaldo, as mentioned before, scored the opening goal.

So even if the first instance of kindness came as a surprise to many, they really didn't see it coming again; not in the same game for all sake.

With another golden opportunity to add to his then new scoring copybook, the Portuguese once again turned his back and allowed Alonso to step up and score.

For the second time in the same game, Ronaldo showed tremendous goodwill in letting his teammates have their moment under the sun. And in the process, let generously slip an opportunity to get his first hat-trick for Real Madrid.

#3 To Ramos vs Athletic Bilbao (2010/11)

Sergio Ramos is a prolific goalscorer himself. Make no mistake, the maverick defender has scored 88 career goals which makes it one of the highest for a defender, as his propinquity pop up during a set-piece is one his best weapons. Just ask Atletico Madrid.

His record from the 12 yards, in contrast, is a subject of mockery in the rival camps. But in a game against Athletic Bilbao in 2010, he was on target and Ronaldo's decision to hand over the spot-kick duty came to fruition.

Angel di Maria danced his way inside the area before being carelessly brought down by a Bilbao player, thereby winning his side a penalty. Ronaldo and Higuain were already on the scoresheet, but instead of either doubling their figures, Ramos came forward to take the spot-kick and whacked one into the top corner.

And as a matter of fact, there was another penalty Madrid were awarded in the dying embers, but this time, the No.7 took it himself and capped off a hat-trick.

#4 To Benzema vs Real Murcia (2010/11)

Unlike the previous instances, this one came in a Copa Del Rey game to minnows Real Murcia. Having held to a goalless stalemate in the first leg, the Whites responded in spectacular fashion, racing to a 3-0 lead with a quarter of an hour to go.

Pedro Munino pulled one back from the spot in the 82nd minute, but another three minutes later, it was Real Madrid's turn to try their luck from the spot.

Ronaldo, who scored his first ever Copa Del Rey goal in this match, willingly gave away the chance to get his second when he let Benzema strut his stuff from 12 yards, and the Frenchman perfectly placed it high up in the corner to extend the home side's lead.

At the time as well, the former Lyon striker endured a similar (but not this terrible) dry spell in front of goal as Ronaldo and Higuain shouldered most of the scoring burden. But this penalty gave him a breather as he went on to score 21 times in the following 35 games in all competitions.

Another revival for Benzema on the cards?

#5 To Kaka vs Marseille (2009/10)

As I said earlier, Ronaldo and Kaka's partnership was a special one in the 2009/10 campaign; more cordial and warmer than the 'BBC' ever were. The duo sometimes seemed to be in a league of their own, and their excellent communication in the final third would even put some centre-back partnerships to shame.

Nevertheless, in only their second Champions League game with Real Madrid, the then-Jose Mourinho side won a penalty around the hour mark with Ronaldo having already put them ahead.

Instead of bagging his second consecutive European brace with the Blancos (he scored twice in the opening game away to Zurich), the Portuguese ace stepped back to allow Kaka have a go at it and the Brazilian was once again on target.

Ronaldo went on to get his second just minutes later, but giving up on the penalty meant he once again blew a chance, albeit deliberately, to get yet another hat-trick in what could've also been his first in the Champions League with Real Madrid.