Ronaldo hat-trick fires Real into Champions League semis


(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Ronaldo became the first man to reach 100 Champions League goals. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a controversial hat-trick to become the first man to reach 100 Champions League goals as Real Madrid overcame 10-man Bayern Munich 4-2 after extra time in Tuesday's thrilling quarterfinal second leg.

The holders surged through 6-3 on aggregate at an exhilarated Santiago Bernabeu to take their place in Friday's semifinal draw for a record seventh consecutive year.

But Real were pushed all the way by Bayern, who battled back from a 2-1 first-leg deficit to send the tie into extra time thanks to Robert Lewandowski's penalty and an own goal from Sergio Ramos.

However, after Arturo Vidal was sent off, Ronaldo hit the century mark in Europe's top club competition on 104 minutes and completed his hat-trick five minutes later.

Bayern were left incensed, though, as Ronaldo's second and third goals were clearly offside.

"To score six goals against a team like Bayern Munich isn't easy so we deserved to go through," the Portuguese striker told Spanish TV station Antena 3.

"Real Madrid is Real Madrid, we are used to suffering and we are happy to be in the semis once again."

Marco Asensio gave a night of high-class action the finale it deserved with a sensational solo goal to rub salt in Bayern wounds.

"The (red) card for Arturo wasn't a card and then the two goals from Cristiano are offside so clearly we are not happy," said Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"In a quarterfinal you have to put a better referee, or it is the moment to introduce video refereeing, which is what UEFA are trying because there are too many errors."

The German champions had been beaten on their previous four trips to Spain without even scoring a goal.

However, knowing they needed at least two to progress, Ancelotti's men started on the front foot and were left to rue a huge opportunity just eight minutes in.

Marcelo made a miraculous block to deny Thiago Alcantara before former Real winger Arjen Robben scuffed into the side-netting on his trusted left foot.

Much like the first leg, Madrid weathered the early storm and had plenty of chances to go in front before half time.

Result

Real Madrid (ESP) 4 (Ronaldo 76, 104, 109, Asensio 112) Bayern Munich (GER) 2 (Lewandowski 53-pen, Ramos 77-og)

Real Madrid win 6-3 on aggregate after extra time

Jerome Boateng bailed out a rare mistake from goalkeeper Manuel Neuer as he cleared off the line from Ramos after Neuer fumbled a simple cross.

The half-time whistle brought some respite to proceedings on the field, although the Bayern fans were involved in a minor clash with police at the break.

The disturbances quickly died down and Bayern soon gave the travelling 4,000 from Germany something to cheer when play resumed.

Another goal-line clearance by Marcelo from Robben's dinked effort temporarily saved Madrid.

But the hosts didn't escape moments later when referee Viktor Kassai pointed to the spot as Robben went down under a challenge from Casemiro.

Lewandowski stayed cool under the pressure and converted from the spot for his 39th goal of the season.

Ronaldo looked to have eased Madrid's nerves when he steered Casemiro's cross into the far corner 14 minutes from time.

However, Real's celebrations were very short-lived as just a minute later the ball ricocheted around their box and Ramos turned into his own net.

The balance of a topsy-turvy tie turned Madrid's way again with five minutes remaining as just as in the first leg, Bayern were reduced to 10 men when Vidal saw a second yellow card for chopping down Asensio.

The extra man proved decisive as Madrid settled the tie with a three-goal burst either side of half time in extra time.

Ronaldo took advantage at not being flagged for offside as he controlled and fired low past Neuer to become the first man to reach a Champions League century.

Four minutes into the second period of extra time he had Marcelo to thank for a brilliant run and unselfish pass that allowed the Portuguese the simplest of finishes to complete his hat-trick despite again being in an offside position.

And Asensio sealed victory in sensational style with a stunning solo run and low right-footed finish as many Bayern players sank to their knees knowing Champions League glory had passed them by for another year.

Ronaldo's century of goals

Cristiano Ronaldo made history by becoming the first player to reach 100 Champions League goals as he scored a hat-trick in Tuesday's quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich.

The Portugal star, who racked up a century of goals in Europe in the first leg, headed in his first of the game on 76 minutes before firing Real back ahead in the tie on 105 minutes.

Ronaldo struck his third goal five minutes later to all but secure Real's place in the semi-finals.

He has now scored 85 goals in 85 appearances in the Champions League for Madrid.

He also netted 15 in the competition and one in a qualifier for Manchester United prior to moving to the Spanish capital in 2009.

Tuesday's treble extended Ronaldo's lead over Barcelona rival Lionel Messi as the top scorer in Champions League history.

Messi has 94, 11 of which have come in this season as the competition's top scorer.

However, the Argentine is unlikely to have many more opportunities to add to that tally this season after Barcelona were thrashed 3-0 by Juventus in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

MENAFN2004201700490000ID1095407266


Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.