Ronaldo Returns To Haunt Madrid In Champions League ThrillerRonaldo Returns To Haunt Madrid In Champions League Thriller Cristiano Ronaldo made a triumphant return to the Santiago Bernabeu, scoring a stunning hat-trick as Juventus stunned Real Madrid 3-0 in a thrilling Champions League quarter-final first leg. The Portuguese superstar, who spent nine glorious years in Madrid, was given a rapturous reception by the home crowd, but his emotions soon turned to bitter disappointment as Juventus dominated proceedings from the outset. Gonzalo Higuaín had already hit the woodwork twice before Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 27th minute, coolly slotting home after being superbly set up by Paulo Dybala. Real Madrid, without the suspended Sergio Ramos, struggled to cope with Juventus’s attacking threat, and Ronaldo doubled the lead just before half-time with a stunning free-kick that left Keylor Navas rooted to his spot. The second half was a one-sided affair, with Juventus continuing to create chances at will. Ronaldo completed his hat-trick in the 64th minute, capitalizing on a poor clearance from Navas to fire into the unguarded net. The result is a major blow to Real Madrid’s hopes of retaining the Champions League, while it gives Juventus a healthy advantage ahead of the second leg in Turin. Ronaldo’s performance was a reminder of his enduring brilliance, and he will be confident of adding to his tally in the return fixture. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have it all to do if they want to reach the semi-finals. They will need to produce a remarkable turnaround in Italy if they are to avoid being dethroned as European champions.
