Zidane lauds ‘beautiful’ Ronaldo after double against Juventus

Turin: Zinedine Zidane described Cristiano Ronaldo as “one of the most beautiful players in the history of football” after his stunning goal for Real Madrid against Juventus. Ronaldo became the first player to score in 10 successive Champions League games as he struck twice for holders Real Madrid in a 3-0 win in the quarterfinal first leg.

The second goal in the 64th minute will live long in the memory as Ronaldo launched himself into the air and beat Gianluigi Buffon with a superb overhead kick.

Juventus fans stood to applaud the effort, and Real Madrid head coach Zidane said: “You can say he’s one of the most beautiful players in the history of football.

“He shows every time that he is a special player. He always wants to do great things in the Champions League and he never gets tired of doing it, that’s his great quality. “Cristiano is in good form at the moment. His team-mates are very happy with him. We need to enjoy tonight, but then think about the hard work ahead of next week because Juve won’t give up.”

Such was the calibre of finish for Ronaldo’s second goal, Zidane was left shaking his head in disbelief.

“I don’t know if Cristiano’s goal is the best in the history of football, but it’s certainly an extraordinary goal,” said Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri. “You can only congratulate him for what he’s doing at present. “However, I am disappointed about the third goal, because at that point we still could have turned the tie in the second leg. Now it will be impossible.”

Marcelo scored Real Madrid’s third in the 72nd minute, shortly after Paulo Dybala had been dismissed for a second yellow card. The return leg takes place at the Bernabeu on April 11. Other Champions League result: Sevilla 1-2 Bayern Munich. Today: Barcelona vs Roma, Man City vs Liverpool.