Ronaldo stars as Real routs Juventus
TURIN: The Juventus stadium broke into applause and Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane, once a player of extraordinary gifts himself, looked dumbstruck at the audacity of Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal.
Just when everyone thought the Portuguese had done it all, he produced a strike in Real’s 30 Champions League quarterfinal, first leg win at Juve yesterday that was astonishing even by the standards of his remarkable career.
Real was 10 ahead when Ronaldo, with his back to goal, launched himself into the air to meet Dani Carvajal’s chipped cross with a bicycle kick — known in Spanishspeaking countries as a ‘‘Chilean’’ — that flew past dumbfounded Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
The timing was perfect, while the athleticism, worthy of a youngster more than of a 33yearold, ridiculed suggestions the recordamassing Portugal forward is past his prime.
‘‘Actually, I need to say that Cristiano has also missed some chances this evening, at least two, but that’s football’’ said perfectionist Zidane, who played for both clubs.
‘‘Which was better, that goal or my volley [for Real] in the Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen [in 2002]? Definitely mine,’’ he joked, before paying tribute to Ronaldo.
Real captain Sergio Ramos said the applause from the Juve fans was ‘‘the prize of everyone giving him recognition for so many years at this level.’’
Ronaldo has now scored in a record 10th consecutive Champions League match.
Marcelo Vieira added a third shortly after Juve’s Paulo Dybala was dismissed for a second yellow card.
In yesterday’s other clash, Thiago Alcantara was the hero as Bayern Munich won 21 at Sevilla.
The hosts had taken the lead through Pablo Sarabia but a Jesus Navas own goal levelled proceedings before Alcantara’s 68thminute effort won the day. — BPA/Reuters