Ronaldolaudedfor‘ mostbeautifulgoal’
MADRIDAS GOODAS IN SEMI- FINALS WITH 3- 0AWAYTHRASHING OFJUVENTUS
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a recordbreaking goal from a stunning overhead bicycle kick to bury Juventus 3- 0 on Tuesday in a rematch of last year’s Champions League final.
Ronaldo became the first player to score in 10 consecutive Champions League games after Real Madrid beat Juventus 3- 0 in the first leg of the quarterfinals in Turin, but it was his second goal that everybody will remember.
The Portuguese superstar surpassed himselfwith a breathtaking overhead hit from inside the box to help put holders Real Madrid closer to the semi- finals.
“One of the most beautiful goals in the history of football,” said Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane.
It took him only two minutes and 47 seconds to open the scoring in Turin, flicking in Isco’s cross.
But the jeers of the home fans turned to applause and earned him a standing ovation after 64 minutes when Dani Carvajal crossed back into the area where Ronaldo connected with an outrageous bicycle kick.
Ronaldo responded by putting his hand to his heart and giving a slight bow of gratitude to the crowd. “The applause for Cristiano says it all,” said Carvajal.
“Cristiano does things sometimes that only he can do,” said Zidane. “It can be said that it is one of themost beautiful goals in the history of football.
“It’s maybe not as beautiful as mine in Glasgow,” joked Zidane of his goal against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002 that gave Real their ninth Champions League title.
“I’m the coach, but I’m also a football fan, when I see something like that… that’s why Ronaldo is different from others because he can do that kind of thing.
“I’m happy for him and happy to have him on our team.”
Ronaldo has been on a goalscoring streak of 19 goals in his last nine games for Real — 28 in 2018— a feat which even Zidane has saidmakes him jealous.
He has now scored 16 goals in his past 10 Champions League games — 14 goals this season and a double in last year’s final against Juventus. He holds the record for Champions League goals scoredwith 119.
“The Juventus fans applauded Ronaldo but also for his team,” said Zidane. “It’s beautiful. You don’t see that everywhere.”
Ronaldo himself showed his gratitude in a video after the match, in which he said: “Obviously people are talking about my second goal… it was a spectacular goal, possibly the best of my career.
“I scored once for the national team with a bicycle kick, which hit the post and went in, but this was a bit better,” said the Portugal forward.
‘ Nicestmoments’
“I had been looking to score a goal like that for a long time but it depends on the circumstances of the match. Sometimes, it doesn’t’ work, but you always have to try. I tried and I scored.
“This was one of the nicest moments. To be applauded by the Juventus stadium, where so many great footballers have played, is a top moment forme.
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri admitted he was amazed by his ability to change his style of play in his thirties to adapt to losing some of his once- searing pace.
“I don’t know if Ronaldo’s goal is the best in football history, but it’s really an extraordinary goal, you can only congratulate him on what he’s doing at present,” said Allegri.
Not only was the world of football talking about Ronaldo’s goal, NBA star LeBron James published a photo on Instagram of the action and world MotoGP champion Marc Marquez, a Barcelona fan, tweeted: “Bufff what a great goal for CR7!!!”.
“Cristiano Ronaldo can now leave the Earth and start playing against theMartians, he has done everything here!” tweeted the Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa.
CristianoRonaldo can nowleave the Earth and start playing against the Martians, he has done everything here. ” Alvaro Arbeloa » Real Madrid defender