The player may have to endure the scandalous dissaprovement from sections of his own support, never-the-less 32-year old Cristiano Ronaldo continues to amaze the world of football with yet another staggering performance in a big match.
Real Madrid ousted fierce rivals and fellow 2016 finalists 3-0 in their Champions League semi-final encounter last night, setting themselves for a potential defense of their title – the only club to do so since Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest.
Atletico appeared uncharacteristically flimsy on the night, with keyman Antoine Griezmann unable to make his impact throughout from his remote position up front.
Real took the lead courtesy of the Portuguese maestro after just 10 minutes. Whilst Los Blancos dominated throughout the first half, they would only find a second after 73 minutes, Ronaldo firing past a hapless Oblak after shielding away Felipe Luis.
Ronaldo's 2nd goal was a beauty 😍 ,power personified!!! #HalaMadrid #RealMadridAtleti #UCL pic.twitter.com/oUFafa600G
— A Patriot (@Apassionateguy) May 2, 2017
The hosts wrapped things up 4 minutes from time, with Ronaldo taking advantage of Lucas Vazquez’s cutback, finishing with ease after being given an age to pick his spot.
The forwards contribution now means he has an astonishing 103 Champions League goals to his name. Not only that, Ronaldo also equalled Leo Messi’s equally absurd 7 CL hattrick’s.
Whilst you can back on Atletico giving a far better account of themselves in the return leg, it’s unlikely that Simeone’s largely defensive unit will be able to find the required goals to over turn such a deficit.
Not that this year’s competition hasn’t thrown up similar surprises of course.