Just a couple of weeks ago, Ronaldo and Real Madrid were having a really, really bad time. Under Rafa Benitez, they seemed to have lost every single game that mattered and, as unfair as the perception might have been, it led to Benitez getting sacked. Real Madrid appointed the unproven Zinedine Zidane as manager, and few people felt confident that he could lead Madrid to the treble. But, don’t look away now. Real Madrid just won a game that really matters, against a team that’s really good, and Cristiano Ronaldo scored a throwback goal in the process.
FYI, Ronaldo’s goal against Roma in the Champions League round of 16 is on top.
Suddenly Madrid are favorites to go through to the quarterfinals. And, more than that, the world’s news organizations went ahead and christened Cristiano Ronaldo as “back.”
Case in point, the clips below.
Olé (Argentina): "Cristiano is back … Zidane’s side upped the tempo in the second period and a two goal cushion should see the Spanish side through to the last eight of the Champions League. An inspired Cristiano opened the scoring with Jesé doubling the advantage at the death."
Photo: @Squawka | Twitter
La Gazzetta dello Sport (Italy): "Cristiano and Jesé strike … Cristiano did the damage with his ferocious shot which was aided with a Florenzi deflection".
Corriere dello Sport (Italy): "Ronaldo-Jesé, but poor refereeing … It would seem complicated to maintain that Italian tradition of eliminating Real Madrid from European competition over two legs as Zidane celebrates his debut Champions League game as a coach with a win.”
The Guardian (UK): "Cristiano overcomes Roman resistance … The Portuguese player fired a shot that got a slight ricochet from Florenzi to beat Szczesny".
Bild (Germany): "He has been under some criticism but Cristiano Ronaldo is back. Real Madrid overcame Roma and edge towards the quarter final. Ronaldo scored the all-important opening goal which was the Portuguese striker’s first away from home since his strike against Eibar on November 29."
L’Equipe (France): "First time success for Zidane … Cristiano Ronaldo puts Madrid in a commanding position after the Spanish side woke up in the second half in last night’s game at the Olimpico.”
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