Cristiano Ronaldo knocks out United as Madrid seal quarterfinal spot
Just like 10 years ago, a Ronaldo scored at Old Trafford to send Real Madrid through in the Champions League and eliminate Manchester United.
Back then it was the Brazilian Ronaldo, who scored a memorable hat trick.
This time it was Cristiano Ronaldo, back at United for the first time since leaving four years ago, who was on the score sheet. And the Portugal forward opted not to celebrate the goal that clinched a 2-1 victory Tuesday for the nine-time champions and a place in the quarterfinals for the third season running.
"I am happy inside because Madrid got through," Ronaldo said after the 3-2 aggregate win. "But on the other hand I feel a little bit sad because of Manchester United."
The last-16 encounter had been pointing toward a United win at the start of the second half when Sergio Ramos deflected Nani's cross into his own net to give the hosts a 2-1 aggregate lead.
But the game swung back in Madrid's favor in the 56th minute when Nani was sent off for a studs-up, flying challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa.
Madrid took control of the last-16 encounter with two goals in three minutes, with Luka Modric netting a powerful equalizer off the post in the 66th before Ronaldo's 40th goal of the season.
The goal devastated the home fans who had cheered Ronaldo before his first match at Old Trafford since swapping Manchester for Madrid for a world record 80 million pounds (then $131 million) in 2009.
"Mentally it was not easy for Ronaldo,'' Madrid manager
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