Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo taught PSG and Neymar a Champions League lesson

REAL MADRID would not beat PSG and Cristiano Ronaldo would be overshadowed by Neymar in the unforgiving environment of the Bernabeu.

At least, that is what everybody expected from Real Madrid vs PSG.

Because they did expect it. This was meant to be a night where Neymar, the great pretender, would usurp Ronaldo on the biggest stage of all. The world’s most expensive player was going to better the world’s best. 

But Cristiano Ronaldo rolled back the years to fire Real Madrid to the cusp of another Champions League quarter-final. The 33-year-old has endured an infuriating season but when it comes to the biggest matches, there is nobody better to have on your side.

Real started slowly with PSG taking the lead through Adrien Rabiot. Neymar’s slick back heel to the France international set Twitter alight and many were quick to point out at how Ronaldo had spurned the chance to open the scoring more minutes previously.

At this point, it was 1-0 to Neymar.

But then came Ronaldo’s golden chance to draw the scores level. Toni Kroos was hauled down in the box and Madrid were suddenly given the opportunity to get the game back to 1-1.

And Ronaldo did. Forget that he may have double-tapped the ball. The Portugal star blasted it past Alphonse Areola, rifling it into the bottom left-hand corner.

Neymar, at the other end, rolled his eyes. 1-1, between the teams and the talismans. 

Both sides looked happy with a draw as the game reached its closing stages. Real were spent and PSG were happy to shut up shop.

And then came Ronaldo’s decisive intervention.

The former Manchester United star is not the player he was five years ago. He has lost most of his pace and some of the reflexes he had earlier on in his career.

But when it comes to goalscoring, he remains just as lethal.

Ronaldo managed this one with his knee. Areola spilled Marco Asensio’s shot and the Real Madrid star was there at the perfect time to prod the ball over the line.

And, in doing so, he taught PSG a lesson.

The Ligue 1 giants thought this was their moment. In Neymar, they undoubtedly have a talent capable of lighting up any stadium in world football.

Or just about any stadium. Because the Bernabeu belongs to Ronaldo. He may be ageing, he may be waning, but he remains one of the best players in world football. And one capable of stepping up when his team need him most.

Neymar, you have much to learn.

Source: www.express.co.uk