6 players who stopped both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

Sergio Ramos vs Cristiano Ronaldo UEFA Euro 2012 semi-final (Portugal 0-0 Spain | Penalties 2-4)

Ramos was able to subdue his Real Madrid teammate at the time during Euro 2012

While Cristiano Ronaldo was subdued by Arne Freidrich in the quarter-finals of the 2008 Euros, it was his Real Madrid teammate, Sergio Ramos, who stopped him in the semi-finals of the 2012 European Championship.

The Spaniard benefitted from having played alongside Ronaldo for years and he put his knowledge of the Portuguese’s game to good effect as he was able to overwhelm his friend in the all-important clash, albeit with some help from Barcelona’s Gerard Pique.

Both sides struggled to assert their dominance in the game as they opted a defensive game plan with the sole aim being not to concede. Ronaldo is capable of unlocking the best defences in the world with his pace, trickery and insane shooting. However, not on that day. He had minimal impact during the game as Ramos was successfully able to keep him in check.

The game progressed to penalties and Ronaldo changed the order of the spot-kicks at the last moment so that he could take the all-important fifth kick. However, his plan backfired as Iker Casillas saved Joao Moutinho’s spot kick, while Bruno Alves’ shot cannoned off the crossbar and Portugal’s fate was sealed even before Ronaldo could take the last penalty.