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What's the story?
Cristiano Ronaldo did not forget his links with former club as he sent a message to Real Madrid fans after his hat-trick knocked Atletico Madrid out from the UEFA Champions League.
In case you didn't know...
Atletico Madrid are obviously the bitter rivals of Ronaldo's former club, Real Madrid. Atletico remains one of Rona;d favourite victims as he now scored 25 goals against them.
Despite securing a 2-0 victory at the Spanish Capital, Atletico Madrid succumbed to a 3-0 loss as Cristiano singlehandedly tipped the tie in the Bianconeri's favour. The 34-year-old Portuguese scored two headers and converted one from the penalty spot to complete their comeback.
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It was Cristiano Ronaldo's 8th hat-trick in the competition, levelling him with arch-rival Lionel Messi for the most hat-tricks in the history of Champions League.
Ronaldo obviously played nine seasons with Real Madrid and remains the top scorer of Los Blancos with 450 goals. He left Real Madrid last summer after winning a record 3rd consecutive Champions League and his former club was knocked out by Ajax last week.
Also see : Copa America Schedule, Copa America Standings
The heart of the matter
After his powerful display, Ronaldo was making his way through the mixed zone with his son and stopped on his when he saw Edu Aguirre, a reporter for Spanish TV show 'El Chiringuito'.
Real Madrid's greatest goalscorer was in a hurry but he stopped to send a message to Real Madrid fans.
The former Madrid man gave the reporter a hug and said:
"I send a hug to El Chiringuito, [Tomas] Roncero and all Real Madrid fans."
Tomas Roncero is the editor of Spanish media outlet AS and is another familiar Real Madrid fan. Both Roncero and Aguirre were on tears when Real Madrid were knocked out from the Champions League by Ajax last week.
What's next?
The draw for the next round of the Champions League will be held on Friday but in the meantime, Juventus will face Genoa in the Serie A.
Real Madrid will host Celta Vigo in the La Liga next week.
