‘PENALDO’ is the name that Lionel Messi’s biggest fans tend to use to taunt to taunt the Argentine’s great rival at Real Madrid.

There is a perception that Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn’t have anything like as many goals as he does if he wasn’t always the first to put his hand up for spot kicks.

And Ronaldo will almost certainly be volunteering again if the Galacticos are awarded a penalty against Barcelona at the Nou Camp next week.

Yesterday’s goal against Sporting Gijon means he will equal Real Madrid legend Hugo Sanchez’s record the next time he scores a penalty.

So what better way for ‘Penaldo’ to ram that nickname down the throats of Barca supporters everywhere.

Mexican icon Sanchez holds the current record, having scored 56 penalties during his time at Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano.

In a surprise third place is Everton manager Ronald Koeman, who scored 46 penalties at Barcelona, despite playing centre-back.

Lionel Messi is in 5th with 42 penalties, behind Koeman and Lyuboslav Penev.

Ronaldo moved within one goal of Sanchez’s record in the 5th minute against Sporting Gijon at the Bernabeu.

Then he put Real Madrid 2-0 up in the 18th minute.

Gijon pulled a goal back later in the first half but Ronaldo’s side held out for a 2-1 win.