The much-anticipated reunion between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, finally happened yesterday. Ronaldo as always made his mark on the big stage with two calmly taken penalties.
It was unfortunate for Lionel Messi as they lost 3-0 at home, though they already qualified to the next round in the Champions League.
Sadly, it was maybe the last time we saw two of the football greats on the football pitch together as they are heading towards the twilight of their career.
Cristiano Ronaldo joked when talking to Movistar in comments carried by Football Italia: “It was Mission Almost Impossible,”
“The key was to start strong, as within 20 minutes we were already 2-0 up, so from that point on we really believed that we could do it.”
“This victory is going to be such a confidence-booster, we needed a win like this against a big team.”
Ronaldo further added about the first penalty which Barcelona claimed to be unfair, though there was clear contact. He said: “I couldn’t say, as I didn’t see it on television. Sometimes soft penalties are called, but I don’t want to get into that, because the referee’s job is always tough.”
“When you score three goals at Camp Nou, there can be no doubt you deserve to go through as the group winners.”
Ronaldo concluded by commenting on his relationship with Lionel Messi. He said: “We’ve been in the awards ceremonies for 12-13 years now and I never saw him as a rival, that’s all stirred up in the media. We always got along perfectly well and if you ask Leo, he’ll tell you the same thing.”