Ranking Cristiano Ronaldo’s five previous Champions League finals
By Sachin Bhat
#4 Milan 2016: Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid (5-3 pens.)
Just two years on from claiming the historic La Decima, Real Madrid was in another final, but against the same opponent as in 2014. Atletico Madrid was touted to exact revenge for the Lisbon heartbreak, while the odds were also heavily tilted towards them, having ousted FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich en route to the finals.
Despite certain nerve-wracking moments in the match, it was a far cry from their earlier final as neither teams managed to sparkle under the San Siro lights. And Ronaldo for once was largely conspicuous by his absence. Having scored 16 goals along the way, the forward was a poor imitation of his rip-roaring self.
The obdurate Rojiblancos backline kept him under wraps as he failed to muster even a shot on target. But for all his struggles, Real Madrid wrapped up their 11th crown with the decisive penalty coming from Ronaldo who slammed one into the top corner after Juanfran’s miscued effort opened the door for him to salvage some pride from an otherwise desolate outing.
#3 Lisbon 2014: Real Madrid 4-1 (a.e.t) Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid’s highly coveted dream of clinching the Decima was inches away from consummation. The Carlo Ancelotti juggernaut had cantered to its first final in 12 years, and the long wait for a Champions League crown was ending at last. Ronaldo had promised the Madrid faithful a final, and here he was, on the cusp of going a step further.
But it wasn’t turning out be his night. With the Rojiblancos racing ahead, Ronaldo was struggling to exert influence, although he did test goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a venomous free-kick that needed the Belgium to flex his palms.
Then came another chance to strike through another freekick, but it agonizingly came off the post.
From the open play, his best efforts weren’t convincing enough. Ronaldo was quite off the pace, and that could be down to the multiple injuries he sustained in the home stretch of the campaign.
But he did have the last laugh though. Gabi fouled the Portuguese goalscorer inside the area in extra-time with Los Blancos already leading 3-1. A penalty was given, and Ronaldo stepped-up to consolidate the victory by nonchalantly placing it into the back of the net.
The iconic shirtless celebration followed, something he replicated after the winning the 2016 final as well.