Wednesday featured the first Champions League matches for both Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid since the two parted ways over the summer. Ronaldo, now with Juventus, was sent off after 29 minutes. Real Madrid, with a Welsh winger leading the line, scored a 3-0 win thanks to a brilliant Gareth Bale goal vs Roma.
Ronaldo’s Juventus Champions League debut ended in tears as he was given a red card for putting his hands on a defender’s head. It was harsh and Ronaldo fan boys everywhere took to expletive-laden tirades to get their anger out. (For proof, just read the Facebook comments on our post for the story.)
So right at that point it seemed like a good idea to check in with Gareth Bale and Real Madrid…
Así no, Bale #RMAROM
Sigue #LaChampionsUD EN VIVO por #UDN, @Univision y https://t.co/6ikDAAZgwU pic.twitter.com/aqA8C6jKft— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) September 19, 2018
Umm, not much better in Spain.
But things improved for Bale and Co., thanks to some brilliant play from midfielders Isco and Luka Modric.
Real Madrid led at halftime thanks to this delicate free kick from Isco.
Up and over. Isco's free kick is the difference at the half for @realmadriden.
Watch the 2nd half on B/R Live https://t.co/h2AvEnH3oT pic.twitter.com/Ika1fjnfhA— Bleacher Report Live (@brlive) September 19, 2018
But the best was still to come. Modric, still in superb form after winning the World Cup Golden Ball with Croatia over the summer, played a perfect ball to Bale, whose finish was just as perfect.
Gareth. Bale. pic.twitter.com/BUz266L0eQ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 19, 2018
That pass from Modric though.
Fantastic goal by #RealMadrid to double their lead!
Quick counterattack, outstanding pass by Luka Modric, and a clinical finish into the bottom corner by Gareth Bale.#RMAASR #RealRoma #UCL #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/rLOenxJRjj— #ThankYouDeuce (@JogaBonito_USA) September 19, 2018
The Bale goal vs Roma allowed Real Madrid to see out a 3-0 win over the Italian side, a semifinalist in last year’s tournament. It was a fairly comfortable win for the defending champion, as illustrated by Marco Asensio attempting to score a no-look shot, only to be denied by Swedish keeper Robin Olsen.
ASENSIO pic.twitter.com/mCnBICZVFa
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) September 19, 2018
But the scoring wasn't done just yet. Real Madrid's new No. 7, Mariano, scored a scorcher in the 91st minute, one that looked like a goal Ronaldo would have scored for Los Blancos. Assuming he wasn't sent off.
Mariano Díaz scores a wonderful #Golazo to cap off the 3-0 win for #RealMadrid over #ASRoma at the Bernabeu!
He cut inside, and unleashed a fierce strike into the top corner!#RMAROM #UCL #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/FyV5myBfjJ— #ThankYouDeuce (@JogaBonito_USA) September 19, 2018
While a disappointing setback for Roma, with the toughest fixture in Group G out of the way, the club will still feel confident about its chances to advance to the knockout rounds with matches against CSKA Moscow and Viktoria Plzen to come.
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