It was the year 2003. Two European giants were about to clash in Manchester for the second leg of a Champions League quarter-final. Real Madrid held a 3-1 lead on aggregate over Manchester United going into the game. United would need a miracle if they were to produce a come back against the Spanish outfit. One player on the away team was about to steal all the headlines that night. The match would end in a 4-3 victory for United but the real story lay within the three goals scored for Los Blancos. This famous European night will always be remembered for the game that ”R9” stole the show.
The Brazilian opened the scoring for Madrid in the 12th minute, converting past the United keeper Fabien Barthez emphatically. The striker thrived off finishing goal chances when the opportunities arrived, this night was no different.
Ronaldo scored his second goal of the game on the 51st minute. Once again, the attacker was in the right place at the right time to finish off Roberto Carlos’s pass across the box. This was certainly the easiest of the three goals ”R9” would score, but his predatory attacking instincts helped him to be the ”fox in the box” for his side.
The 2002 Ballon d’Or winner was about to show the world why he was the worlds best striker. On the 59th minute, Il Fenomeno received the ball halfway into the opposition’s half, the United defence started to back off. They were already doomed. The striker cut onto his right foot and hit a rasping shot into the top corner, leaving Barthez with no chance. The United faithful were stunned.
With 23 minutes left to play in the match, Ronaldo was substituted. As he walked off the pitch, a loud applaud followed the Brazillian as he descended into the Madrid dugout. All sides of the Old Trafford stadium were clapping, a token of respect for the performance that ”R9” had displayed.
Ronald described the gesture as ”a unique situation and a very special moment for me. I haven't experienced a similar situation since then.”
He continued, "It was a magical moment, one of the most important in my life. Football is everything to me. When I look back, I'm proud of what I've achieved in my career."
There was never a doubt in Ronaldo’s abilities as a footballer. Injuries and fitness issues put a strain on his career but moments like these proved how much of an all-time great the South American was.
Ronaldo’ Hat-Trick V Man Utd https://youtu.be/KoPIUSG-vcg
“For me, the best players are those who can think of a play and execute it quickest and in the best way possible, and Ronaldo Nazario has been the best at that.
The speed of thought that he had – and the speed he had to carry out his actions – were perfect. It was something amazing. I think he was a phenomenon.” - KAKA
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