The Portuguese forward has landed yet another Champions League milestone and celebrated the feat in a manner he knows best!
Cristiano Ronaldo broke the Champions League appearance record after starting for Manchester United against Villarreal on Wednesday and capped it off with a brilliant goal. The 36-year-old Portuguese forward fired the Red Devils to a sensational comeback win, scoring in the 95th minute to secure the maximum three points at Old Trafford.
The Portugal forward was named in the Manchester United starting line-up for his side’s second group game of the European campaign after making his second debut in the defeat to Young Boys in Switzerland. In the process, the former Real Madrid and Juventus star made his 178th appearance in the competition, demoting his former teammate and Los Blancos goalkeeper Iker Casillas to top the standings.
What was a memorable night for Ronaldo was, however, almost marred by the Yellow Submarines who finally took their chance and broke the deadlock after a goalless first 45 minute. Paco Alcacer was the man to strike in the 53rd minute, although he could have had at least to more to his tally in the night’s encounter but for his inefficiency in front of goal.
Seven minutes later Alex Telles drew Manchester United level with a potential Goal of the Tournament contender by meeting Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick from outside the Villarreal penalty box with a volley. Right into the dying embers of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jesse Lingard combined once more for the former to score the winner for the host. Watch the goal below:
CRISTIANO RONALDO WINS IT LATE FOR MAN UTD!
Listen to that Old Trafford roar
Big players deliver in big moments.#UCL pic.twitter.com/7rcbEJzUQt
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 29, 2021
Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal also landed him two different milestones as at the age of 36 years and 236 days, he has now become the second oldest Man Utd player to score a goal in European competition at Old Trafford after Bryan Robson (36y 282d) vs Galatasaray in 1993. The Portuguese striker is also tied with Sergio Aguero as the only two players to score three 90th minute winning goals in Champions League history.
The former Juventus star saved Manchester United from entering the international break at the bottom of the Group F table. The Red Devils now have three points from two games and occupy third position as second-placed Young Boys have the same points and goals but edge them on a head-to-head basis.
Ladies and gentlemen:
@Cristiano #MUFC | #UCL pic.twitter.com/iCX9qNsRBG
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 29, 2021
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