“They aren't lucky” - Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on the secret behind Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League success
Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up on Real Madrid's historic comebacks in the UEFA Champions League. He stressed that it isn't luck that helps the Spanish giants succeed in the competition but the pressure on the opponents.
Los Blancos are the greatest club in the Champions League history, having won it a record 15 times. The next best are AC Milan with seven wins. The Spanish giants have pulled off some incredible late comebacks and results in the knockout stages in recent years in the competition.
In the 2021-22 season, they were 4-3 down against Chelsea in the second leg of the quarter-finals at the Santiago Bernabeu. Rodrygo then scored in the 80th minute and Real Madrid won it in extra time. They were 5-3 down against Manchester City in the 89th minute in the semi-finals that year at the Bernabeu. However, Rodrygo scored a brace to take it to extra time where they won.
Los Blancos have pulled off many such late comebacks in the UEFA Champions League. Many believe that they have been lucky but Cristiano Ronaldo has denied such claims. He said on his YouTube channel 'UR Cristiano' (via Madrid Xtra):
“People say they are lucky, no they aren't lucky. They prepare for these kind of moments. Bernabeu, it has a different aura, the energy. When the big teams go there, they score a goal, 85th or 90th min, they feel the pressure. For me it's the best club ever.”
Cristiano Ronaldo won four out of his five Champions League trophies with Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo on former Real Madrid teammate Toni Kroos' retirement
Toni Kroos shocked the world towards the end of last season as he announced his retirement this summer. The midfielder retired from professional football after Germany's exit at the UEFA Euro 2024 in the quarter-final stage against eventual winners Spain.
Kroos, 34, had an excellent 2023-24 campaign with Real Madrid, winning La Liga, UEFA Champions League, and Supercopa de Espana. He could've gone on for a few more years but decided to retire. On his decision, Cristiano Ronaldo said (via Madrid Xtra):
"It’s the way he see’s it, we have to respect him. I respect his decision. He could play a few years more, but that’s his decision.”
Cristiano Ronaldo shared the pitch 171 times with Toni Kroos during their time at Real Madrid, combining for 16 goals. They were also on the opposing sides seven times on the international level and Kroos' time at Bayern Munich.