"We have a better team but we’re going to lose" - When Cristiano Ronaldo shared how Real Madrid superstar lacked morale in 2014 UCL final
Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to be questioning Angel Di Maria's attitude during Real Madrid's 2014 Champions League final win over Atletico Madrid. The Portuguese superstar claimed back then that the Argentine looked defeated even before the final whistle, with Los Blancos trailing 1-0.
Speaking to the media after the stunning 4-1 win over Atletico Madrid in 2014, Ronaldo claimed that he loved the pressure and wanted his teammates to always believe in their abilities. He also sent a strong message to Di Maria and said (via Bleacher Report):
"I love the pressure. When I do not feel the pressure, I want to take my boots, put them on the side and say: 'that's it.' It has always been about success and winning. If I had to choose one title then the Champions League would be the most important.
"At 88 minutes gone in the final, I looked for Di Maria and I saw him face down thinking: 'we have a better team but we are going to lose.' But I always believe. I will always say that it doesn't matter if you play good or bad, as long as you win. In 20 years, no-one will look back and say; 'they played better, they created more chances.' It just depends on who wins."
Real Madrid were down 1-0 to Atletico Madrid in the dying embers of the game, with Diego Godin giving them the lead in the 36th minute. But Sergio Ramos scored in the injury time (93rd minute) to take the match into extra time, where Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo scored to seal a dramatic 4-1 win. Angel Di Maria was awarded the UEFA Man of the Match for the final.
Real Madrid star picked Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo
Angel Di Maria is one of the few players who has played with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in his career. The former Real Madrid star has repeatedly praised the duo but always insisted that his compatriot was better than the Portuguese superstar.
He told Clank (via Sporting News):
"They are the two best in history. But the best, by far, is Leo. It’s not just about the Ballon d’Or awards he’s won but everything else. Cristiano is about hard work and dedication, but Messi is pure talent, a gift from God. He doesn’t need to do anything extra to be the best. Cristiano had to spend hours in the gym, perfect his finishing, and push himself constantly. But with Leo, it’s like he’s playing with friends. That’s why the difference is so big. Leo is unmatched."
Cristiano Ronaldo played 166 matches with Angel Di Maria at Real Madrid and combined for 28 goals. On the other hand, he played 141 games with Lionel Messi for Paris Saint-Germain and the national team, and they combined for 16 goals - including once in the FIFA World Cup final in 2022.