Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid - incomparable Cristiano Ronaldo reasserts greatness

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Cristiano Ronaldo slots in the early opener for Real Madrid at Juventus in the Champions League.

    Record-breaking Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice for Real Madrid, his second a staggering bicyle kick, to earn a dominant 3-0 first-leg advantage against crestfallen Juventus in the Champions League quarter-finals.

    A repeat of June’s one-sided final did not always seem inevitable, despite Ronaldo’s expert third-minute shot from Isco’s cross. The Old Lady pegged the visitors back for much of the running, until the tie swung past the hour mark.

    Ronaldo rose highest to acrobatically earn a 2-0 lead, Juve’s Argentine forward Paulo Dybala was dismissed for a second booking and then Marcelo bundled in a potentially decisive third ahead of next week’s second leg at Santiago Bernabeu.

    RONALDO RISES TO THE TOP

    It took less than three minutes for Ronaldo to assert his genius.

    Before the final whistle, his incomparable athleticism and ability would move this eagerly anticipated tie far beyond the Old Lady’s reach.

    The five-time Ballon d’or winner’s charge across the defence and neat connection with Isco’s intelligent low cross for the opener saw him become the first player to score in 10-consecutive Champions League appearances.

    At two minutes and 47 seconds, it was also his fastest goal in the competition.

    One of the great sights in sport would follow an hour later. An utterly brilliant bicycle kick from Dani Carvajal’s cross drew applause from every corner of Allianz Stadium. Even the partisan Juve faithful knew something special had been witnessed.

    This was like watching the hang time on a slam dunk from NBA great Michael Jordan, a 100-metre sprint from Jamaica’s Usain Bolt or a young Jonah Lomu tearing through the England backline at 1995’s Rugby World Cup. History was made the moment the sweetest connection was achieved.

    These sublime efforts moved him onto 39 goals in all competitions this term, more than any player in Europe’s big-five leagues – including eternal rival Lionel Messi of Barcelona.

    He’s now found the back of the net two or more times in 10 of 16 matches for club and country in 2018. There was even time for Ronaldo to provide a delicate assist for Brazil left-back Marcelo’s killer third.

    We are truly fortunate to watch him in action. Appreciate the Portugal icon while you can.

    OLD LADY’S RACE IS RUN

    Confidence had been hard-earned in the intervening months that Juve would not suffer a repeat of June’s 4-1 humiliation in Cardiff.

    Massimiliano Allegri’s men came into this pressure clash safe in the knowledge that 21 victories had been accrued from their prior 25 fixtures in all competitions. This spell had seen them chase down and usurp Napoli in a tight Serie A title race.

    Instead, a chastening evening played out. The Old Lady led the way with eight shots to three at half-time, rebounding emphatically from Ronaldo’s opener.

    In the space of eight brutal second-half minutes, Madrid then struck twice and Argentina forward Dybala was sent off. Game over.

    Perhaps, Juve have overachieved with two final appearances in the last four. The crucible of Italian football might not be competitive enough, a seventh-successive Serie A-crown will be evidence of this.

    There is also no supreme talent currently in their ranks to match Michel Platini in the 1980s, or Zinedine Zidane and Alessandro Del Piero after that.

    Either way, they came up painfully short once again. It does not look to be the last time.

    Paulo Dybala of Juventus walks off after being sent off.

    Paulo Dybala of Juventus walks off after being sent off.

    ZIDANE’S JOYOUS RETURN

    Zidane was the king of Turin during his playing days. His return last night was a joyous one.

    The France great’s managerial chops are often questioned despite being reigning The Best FIFA Football Coach and the holder of eight major titles from two years in charge.

    A poor La Liga title defence doesn’t help, while Juve dominated for long spells on Tuesday.

    But his decision to select Spain playmaker Isco instead of Wales flyer Gareth Bale produced an early assist and the completion of all 56 passes from him.

    His side’s 4-4-2 diamond formation also consistently brings out the best in Ronaldo. Sheer weight of results provide the perfect retort to all critics.

    Recommended