Reuters
Soccer Football – Champions League – Round of 16 First Leg – Atletico Madrid v Manchester United – Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain – February 23, 2022 Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo reacts REUTERS/Juan Medina
Reuters
Soccer Football – Champions League – Round of 16 First Leg – Atletico Madrid v Manchester United – Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain – February 23, 2022 Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo reacts REUTERS/Juan Medina
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players of all time, but his days of being the best free-kick taker on the planet are long gone. The Portuguese has only scored one free-kick in the last four years and hasn’t scored one yet for Manchester United since his return.
However, it hasn’t been for a lack of trying, as Ronaldo tried to take another free-kick in a very good spot for the team. United was trailing in their UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 clash against Atletico Madrid by a score of 1-0.
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It was the 78th minute and United received a free-kick just outside the penalty box. Ronaldo decided to take it ahead of other free-kick takers at the club like Alex Telles and Bruno Fernandes. However, he skied it and the entire stadium of Atletico Madrid fans cheered for his miss.
Manchester United were awarded a free kick close to scoring.
Christiano Ronaldo elects to take it & misses.
Shortly following the missed free kick, Manchester United scores after a fantastic substitution by the coaching staff. #ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/ShY0c6tSZ4
— Rahl Sports Betting (@RahlBets) February 23, 2022
Anthony Elanga scores the equalizer as Ronaldo blanks
Thankfully for Ronaldo, United scored just two minutes later as a fantastic through ball by Bruno Fernandes gave Swedish youngster Anthony Elanga a one-on-one against Jan Oblak. Elanga slotted the ball past Oblak and United equalized in the 80th minute.
Reuters
Soccer Football – Champions League – Round of 16 First Leg – Atletico Madrid v Manchester United – Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain – February 23, 2022 Manchester United’s Anthony Elanga celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Juan Medina
His goal was United’s only clear chance of the match as the Premier League team struggled to create anything. However, they took the one chance that they had, and will now happily take this draw before the second leg at Old Trafford. Ronaldo did not score in the match but he was involved in the build-up to the goal and had an average performance.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his free-kick ability
Things weren’t always like this for Ronaldo as he holds the record for the most free-kicks scored in the UCL. He has scored plenty of them during his first stint with Manchester United and during his nine years at Real Madrid.
Reuters
Soccer Football – Champions League – Round of 16 First Leg – Atletico Madrid v Manchester United – Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain – February 23, 2022 Atletico Madrid’s Hector Herrera in action with Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo REUTERS/Javier Barbancho
Ronaldo also scored this amazing free-kick against Atletico Madrid in 2014, showcasing his ability to hit the ball. However, he seems to have lost it and United fans have been criticizing him for still stepping up to take the free-kicks. It’ll be interesting to see if Rangnick will relieve Ronaldo of his free-kick duties.
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