Real Madrid: Ranking the 10 best individual Champions League performances in the modern era

6. Sergio Ramos Vs Bayern Munich (2014)

El Capitan, a defender par excellence and a true leader of men ruled the Allianz Arena in this match. During a run-up to the La Decima title, Real Madrid had to face the Bavarian giants Bayern Munich in the knockout round. Having missed a penalty in the 2012 Champions League semi-finals at the Bernabeu, Ramos had to redeem himself.

Not only did Ramos score two headers to stun Pep Guardiola’s side, but he was also impeccable at the back. He did not allow the superstar attack of Bayern comprising Muller, Robben, Ribery, etc. to have a shot at goal. Ramos’s twin goals laid the foundation for Ronaldo’s brace as the third goal arrived as a result of a devastating counter-attack once the spaces opened up.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored 17 goals in the Champions League that season. However one may argue that without Ramos’s performance against Bayern and the infamous 93rd-minute header against Atletico in the final, Real Madrid may not have won the La Decima.

5. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Juventus (2018)

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored tons of goals in his career. But in this match, he scored a goal that lives in his memories to this day. Yes, we are talking about that goal. You know it is a special moment when Gigi Buffon and the entire Juventus stadium stand and applaud an opposition player in their own stadium.

Real Madrid made early inroads into the Juve defense as Ronaldo opened the scoring after directing a cross from Isco into the back of the net. It was in the 64th minute that Ronaldo delivered this iconic Champions League moment. Real Madrid went on to win the first leg 3-0.

Juventus did come back in the second leg at the Bernabeu by scoring three goals themselves. However, a Real Madrid won a penalty late into the injury time which was duly converted by Ronaldo. This was Mr. Champions League with yet another memorable performance on the biggest stage.