Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo: Completely Aware
Well, it would seem fair to admit that Cristiano Ronaldo had a rather poor start to the 2010/2011 season. But just as Portugal started to experience a positive change at the international level, the Portuguese superstar winger found his sparkling form once again. 6 goals and 4 assists have taken Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the charts in La Liga. Statistics also reveal that the former Ballon d’Or winner has netted 6 times in his last four matches for Portugal and Real Madrid.
So ahead of Tuesday night’s mega clash between Real Madrid and AC Milan, the public is expecting Ronnie to finally enjoy a great game in the Champions League this season. Most importantly for the player himself, who hasn’t yet opened his goal scoring account in Europe this term, Los Blancos have to avoid a repeat of last year’s 3-2 defeat to AC Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ronaldo, who experienced a heavy 3-0 defeat (then as a Man UTD player) the last time he faced AC Milan, is very much aware of the importance of Tuesday night’s Champions League match. Reuters shared his comment ahead of the match:
“We know that if we win (against AC Milan), we will be a step away from qualifying into the Last 16. We are playing at home, and it’s our duty to win.”
AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic: The Ultimate Sacrifice
AC Milan’s biggest signing during the summer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has scored important goals for the Rossoneri so far –both in the Champions League and in the Italian Serie A. The ex-Barcelona player netted a brace against Auxerre and also earned AC Milan at least a point against Ajax through his equalizer.
AC Milan are second in Group G with 4 points and Ibrahimovic is keen to doing even more for the Rossoneri against Real Madrid on Tuesday night. Looking ahead to the match, the striker revealed:
“I’m working really hard [in training]. I’m killing myself for my team mates. If they win, then I win too. I think that’s the thing that is the most important.”
Will Ibrahimovic’s sacrifice redeem AC Milan on Tuesday night?
AC Milan’s Robinho: No Revenge, Just History
It’s clear that Robinho didn’t have a great time at the Santiago Bernabeu during his days with Real Madrid. Actually, there were issues concerning his position on the pitch among other things which included his behavior in the dressing rooms. Well, these are things of the past now for the Brazilian who is finally at AC Milan.
But on his first ever return to the Santiago Bernabeu, Robinho isn’t planning for revenge; the former Manchester City player just wants to win and to help AC Milan create history as Marca quoted him as saying:
“There will be no revenge. But there will be the desire to win. I’m not going to Madrid with the idea of a vendetta. However, I’ll put in all my efforts to come away with a victory. I want to make history with Milan.”
AC Milan shocked the Bernabeu and its home crowd last season with a 3-2 victory over Real Madrid. Will there be a repeat of such a result on Tuesday night? Will any of these players – Ibrahimovic, Cristiano Ronaldo, or Robinho – decide the fate of this upcoming titanic match in the UEFA Champions League? Only time will tell...
