Cristiano Ronaldo reached the incredible 100-goal milestone for Real Madrid in the Champions League, powering his team to an exciting 3-1 comeback triumph against Paris Saint-Germain at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening.
Paris Saint-Germain shocked the home crowd when Adrien Rabiot put the visitors ahead just after the 30-minute mark, but Ronaldo made sure Zinedine Zidane’s men didn’t stay down for long, stealthily converting a penalty before the break to level the score.
The Portuguese superstar doubled the excitement with a late goal to put Los Blancos ahead in this crucial last-16 first-leg clash, and Marcelo sealed the thrilling victory in injury time, completing an unforgettable comeback.
Match Highlights
The first half set the tone with aggressive tackles and high energy, leading to bookings for Isco, Neymar, and Giovani Lo Celso.
Ronaldo sent an early warning to PSG by unleashing a fierce volley across goal from a tight angle, set up beautifully by Isco in the 3rd minute.
Toni Kroos kept the pressure on with a sharp left-footed strike that forced a top save from Alphonse Areola, while Marquinhos expertly cleared danger at his post.
PSG’s first serious attempt came when Yuri Berchiche chased down a through ball from Neymar but missed the target from 16 yards on the 7th minute.
The tempo slowed until the 26th minute when Ronaldo hit a free-kick over the bar. Minutes later, Marcelo’s exquisite pass saw Ronaldo’s shot blocked by Areola’s face.
Moments around the half-hour mark, Neymar dazzled his way to the edge of the box but was kept out by Keylor Navas, with Real Madrid also seeing Ramos’ towering header denied from a corner.
PSG broke the deadlock soon after when Kylian Mbappe powered down the right and crossed low; Nacho’s clearance fell perfectly to Rabiot who slotted home from 13 yards.
Ronaldo was eager to respond, but blasted a shot over on 37 minutes after winning the ball. Cavani also tested Real’s defence with a low shot that whipped past the post.
Areola made a breath-taking one-handed save from Benzema’s first-time effort just before halftime, but moments later, Lo Celso’s foul on Kroos awarded Real a penalty, which Ronaldo calmly slotted to equalise.
The second half saw Navas deny Mbappe’s attempt early on. PSG tried to control the game, but Zidane’s substitutions, bringing in Bale, Vazquez, and Asensio, paid dividends late on.
Asensio’s cross was parried by Areola and a sharp Ronaldo flicked the ball in with his knee in the 83rd minute, putting Madrid ahead.
Shortly after, Asensio provided a cheeky cut-back for Marcelo to smash home from eight yards, with a slight deflection off Marquinhos.
PSG tried to claw back with Draxler and Mbappe threatening, but Real held firm. Neymar’s late shot missed the target, sealing a well-earned victory for Madrid.
Final Score: Real Madrid 3 – 1 Paris Saint-Germain
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