UEFA Champions League 2016-17: Real Madrid 2-1 Sporting CP - 5 talking points

Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale was just one of the few players who did not perform to their best for Real

2) Cometh the hour, cometh Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo
Last minute heroics once again from Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo had described this game in his pre-match conference as a “special game”, as the Portuguese was pitted against the side with whom he started his football journey. So emotions were running high, but his former employers bore no goodwill and got under his skin by thwarting him.

The 31-year-old was effectively boxed-up by the visitors, who denied him a clear opportunity at goal until late in the game. Ronaldo was although mobile and an active passer of the ball, but was lacking in clear goal-scoring chances.

In the final minute of normal time, he was presented with a free-kick from a decent range and made it count as he lashed home the equaliser. Ronaldo refused to celebrate, but his heroics set Real Madrid on the path of an unlikely victory.

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