Cristiano Ronaldo played for the first time in nearly two months Wednesday.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MADRID, Spain -- Cristiano Ronaldo returned to action after nearly two months out due to injury on Wednesday, coming on as a second-half substitute in Real Madrid's 1-0 Champions League win over FC Zurich.

The Portugal winger, the world's most expensive footballer, hadn't played for Madrid since injuring his right ankle in a victory over Marseille on Sept. 30 in which he scored twice.

He came on for Raul Gonzalez in the 70th minute and was cheered by the Santiango Bernabeu crowd.

Ronaldo's only real chance came in the last minute when Esteban Granero put him through in the area, but Zurich goalkeeper Johnny Leoni was able to save his angled shot.

"I think these 25 minutes tonight will have been a big help," said Pellegrini, who watched the Spanish league leaders go to the top of its group with 10 points to virtually book its place in the knockout phase of the competition.

"He showed good rhythm," Pellegrini said. "He's trained really well and left all of the worries over his injury behind. Everyone knows what Cristiano brings."

The Chilean coach, who said he remained "worried" about the team's disjointed play, will be particularly pleased to have Ronaldo back in time for the "clasico" match against arch rival Barcelona on Sunday.