Cristiano Ronaldo scores his 100th European goal as Real Madrid take 2-1 lead against Bayern Munich.
Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t the powerhouse that usually left full-backs smelling grass. At 32, he’s declining, which is normal for the ageing superstar who’s been on top for over a decade.
His physical gifts are slowly diminishing as he doesn’t have the blazing pace or power to gash through defenses like he did few years ago.
“The older you are, the more experienced, the more intelligent, and you don’t waste energy on things you don’t need,” said Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Ibrahimovic and Ronaldo are obviously two different players, but they both share common traits, one of which is having an appetite for victory and glory and achieving feats many doubted.
Coming into Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-finals first-leg fixture against Bayern Munich, the Portuguese striker had been goal-less in six consecutive European games, with his last goal coming against Borussia Dortmund back in September.
The first half of the match was a typical Ronaldo moments, full of shouting and pouting about things not going his way. Second half was a different Ronaldo. The talismanic striker looked more determined. It was the Ronaldo Los Blancos supporters were costumed to seeing.
Ronaldo’s second-half brace and 100th European goal garnered Madrid precious 2-1 victory at the Allianz Arena.
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“I don’t know who doubted me. The people who love Cristiano never had any doubts. You’d have to tell me who kept doubting as it never reached me,” Ronaldo said to beIN Sports when asked about his doubters.
“I am very happy. The team reacted very well, it is not easy to play here, against a very difficult team. Even losing at the break, we had a good feeling for the second half. We played very well, we scored early and the game became easier. The victory is deserved although it leaves things very open for the return game.”
Ronaldo has readjusted his game to prolong his career and although he might not be as dominant as he once was, he’s still the leader of Zinedine Zidane’s attack.
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The Frenchman praised Ronaldo after the match, but he knew the fleet-footed winger left goals on the pitch.
“He was happy, of course,” said Zidane. “But not content, because he had chances to score more goals.”