Ruthless Ronaldo does it again

The Juventus forward now has eight Champions League hat-tricks – level with Lionel Messi.

Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Juventus to a 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid last night, as they became only the fourth team in Champions League history to progress after losing 2-0 in the first leg. It seems that every time Ronaldo and Messi play they break at least one record.

After scoring two headers and a penalty, Ronaldo now has 63 goals in the Champions League knockout stage, and even Messi is off the pace there, having scored 40.

Ronaldo has now scored 18 goals in his past 14 Champions League knockout appearances, and has been directly involved in 77 goals in 77 Champions League knockout appearances (63 goals, 14 assists).

His move to Juventus from Real Madrid in the summer surprised a lot of people, but it seems the Portuguese star is having the last laugh – his Juve side are through to the quarter-finals and Real Madrid fell at the last-16 hurdle.

After losing two finals in 2015 and 2017, there’s no question Ronaldo was signed to win the Champions League for the Italian outfit for the first time since 1996, and he agrees,

“This was why Juventus brought me here, to help do things that they have never done before,” said Ronaldo. 

“It was always going to be a special night and it was – not only for the goals but for the team.

“This is the mentality you need to win in the Champions League. We enjoyed a magical night. Atletico were a difficult team but we were strong too. We will see what will happen.”

Football fans may take what Ronaldo says as egotistical at times, but no one can question the self-belief the man possesses.

When the pressure’s on, there’s no one better than Ronaldo. It’s been almost four years since a team featuring the former Real Madrid hero was knocked out of the Champions League and he’s still in contention to win the competition for a fourth consecutive season. Un-believe-able.

Should Juventus go all the way in Madrid this year, he will win his sixth Champions League title which would put him level with Real Madrid legend Francisco Gento, who also has six European Cups to his name.

After last night’s heroics, Juve are now second favourites with Betfred to lift the Champions League this season at 4/1. They sit behind current favourites Manchester City, who are 9/4.

If you’re betting on football, Betfred.