Juventus star, Cristiano Ronaldo has continued to add more personal glory to his game as he now shares a joint-record for home goals in the history of the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona talisman, Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo scored his 70th home goal in the biggest club competition against Hungarian champions, Ferencvaros at the Allianz Stadium on Tuesday night.
The record now ties him with Messi, who has been his direct competitor. The Argentine that didn’t travel with the team for Tuesday’s trip to Ukraine. Barcelona eventually won the game 4-0.
The Catalan club topped the group and progressed into the last 16 with a brace from Martin Braithwaite and a goal each from Antoine Griezmann and Sergino Dest.
🔥 celebration from Griezmann ngl pic.twitter.com/VGDrUDumOv
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 24, 2020
Ronaldo leads Juventus to Champions League last 16 with a comeback goal to equal Messi record
Ronaldo helped Juventus to progress to the Champions League last 16 after he restored parity for the host that were a goal behind. A stoppage-time header from substitute Alvaro Morata then gave them a comeback 2-1 home win.
With two games left in Group G, Juventus are on nine points from four games, three behind leaders Barcelona.
Also, Ferencvaros and Dynamo are level on one point and will vie for the consolation prize of joining the Europa League round of 32 after the winter break.
The Hungarian side took a shock 19th-minute lead through Myrto Uzuni before Ronaldo equalised in the 35th with a left-foot shot from 20 metres moments after he had a goal scrapped for offside.
After ending the first half in 1-1 draw, Juventus was interested in finishing the business by ensuring their progress to the next round in order to concentrate on other fronts.
This prompted a tactical switch from coach Andrea Pirlo. Juve then attacked down the flanks instead of through the middle and it paid off in the second half.
Why Juventus needs Ronaldo all the time
Since his recovery from coronavirus Ronaldo has scored six goals in five games – one in two Champions League and five in four Serie A games.
This shows the importance of the Portuguese that landed a brace on his recovery from the dreaded virus.
The five-time world footballer of the year has always been up to expections most of the time he is on the pitch for the Turin club. So, it is no surprise to get an equalizer from him against an opponent they conveniently dispatched just a week ago.
The star appeared to have a good rapport with Pirlo as well. They were spotted having a conversation during the warm-up, with Ronaldo behaving almost like an assistant manager.
With Ronaldo back in the squad, Pirlo would wish for more positive result in the weeks ahead.
