Planet Football published a retrospective on Ronaldo's hat-trick in Barcelona's 3-2 victory over Valencia at Camp Nou in 1996. Ronaldo scored all three goals in the win.
The match at Camp Nou
Planet Football said Ronaldo could easily have had six goals in that match. Planet Football said it took smart saves from the Valencia keeper and some uncharacteristically wayward finishing to keep the score down.
League numbers that season
Planet Football said Ronaldo scored 34 goals in 37 La Liga games that season. Planet Football said that total was at least nine more than any other player. Planet Football said Barcelona scored 102 times in the league that season, but did not win the title.
How the season ended
Planet Football said Ronaldo ended the season with 47 goals in all competitions. Planet Football said it was not enough to keep Bobby Robson in his managerial role. Planet Football said Ronaldo moved on to Inter for a world record fee, and Barcelona then turned to Deportivo La Coruna star Rivaldo.