Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has etched his name into Spanish football history after becoming the first player to score more than 38 goals in a single La Liga season en route to the Pichichi trophy.
In his 34th league game of the 2010-11 campaign, the Portuguese sensation found the target for the 39th time on the final day against Almeria at the Santiago Bernabeu. It took just four minutes for him to bag the historic goal when he stabbed the ball home from close range at the back post after Sergio Ramos had headed a Xabi Alonso freekick across goal.
He now officially surpasses previous record-holders Telmo Zarra and Hugo Sanchez, who both amassed 38 goals in 30 and 35 league games respectively. However, Marca, who awards the Pichichi trophy, has credited Ronaldo with 40 goals for his freekick effort against Real Socieded in September which Spain’s National Professional Football League (LFP) gave to team-mate Pepe.
Ronaldo's strike against Almeria was also his 51st in all competitions and he now has the chance to equal or overtake Barcelona forward Lionel Messi's tally of 52 competitive goals this season, a record for a player in Spanish football.
Here are the seven highest goalscorers in a single season in La Liga:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), 2010-11, 40 goals
2. Telmo Zarra (Athletic Bilbao), 1950-51, 38 goals
2. Hugo Sanchez (Real Madrid), 1989-90, 38 goals
3. Baltazar (Atletico Madrid), 1988-89, 35 goals
4. Hugo Sanchez (Real Madrid), 1986-87, 34 goals
4. Ronaldo (Barcelona), 1996-97, 34 goals
4. Lionel Messi (Barcelona), 2009-10, 34 goals