A spectacular hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo was enough to seal the deal for Juventus in the return leg against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Atletico, the favorites in this thrilling tie squandered their advantage at Allianz Stadium, as they were leading 2-0 aggregate before the commencement of the match.
Two headers and a penalty from the enigmatic goal machine Ronaldo helped Juventus to clinch a place in Friday’s last-eight draw. Juventus has ‘the mentality of champions’ quoted Ronaldo, after a thrilling victory. Diego Simeone’s Atletico crashed out of the tournament, after the Italian champions produced an exhilarating display of footwork and tactics.
Ronaldo has scored a hat-trick for the eighth time in the competition and mirrors his improbable treble which helped former club Real Madrid edge past Wolfsburg in April 2016 with the Spaniards 2-0 down after the first leg. Massimiliano Allegri’s side came out all guns blazing, with nine shots on goal in the first half itself. Chiellini, making his 500th appearance for the club, had Atletico jittering in the early four minutes. However, the VAR decision ruled out the goal. But the deadlock was broken in the 27th minute after Ronaldo headed a beautiful cross from Bernardeschi. In the 47th minute, Ronaldo levelled the tie with a powerful header from Joao Cancelo’s cross. And finally, the five time Ballon d’Or winner made no mistake to convert the penalty and score his 25th goal against Atletico.
