Cristiano Ronaldo and Varane received a warm welcome by Real Madrid fans when they arrived at Madrid airport.
They two cheered on with loud voices and chants when they came out from the team’s bus to make their way to the hotel.
Varane and Ronaldo stopped to sign jerseys for the fans.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United has played and won more games against Atletico Madrid than any other team in his brilliant career.
After meeting the Rojiblanco 35 times in all competitions and winning 17 times, the Portugal international returns to face them for the first time in United colors.
Real Madrid’s two Champions League final victories over their neighbors and Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick in the 2018/19 quarter-finals overcame Juventus’ two-goal first-leg lead.
He scored trebles at the Vicente Calderon and Wanda Metropolitano, as well as three goals in a Champions League last-four tie at the Bernabeu in 2017.
It’s no surprise that Atleti supporters would boo him when he returns to Madrid for the round-of-16 match on Wednesday night.
Of course, for the Reds superstar, who was essential in securing qualification from Group F, this will be like water off a duck’s back. After all, he has 67 goals in the competition’s knockout rounds, far more than the next highest scorer, Lionel Messi, who has 49.
And he’s no stranger to rising to the occasion, even in the most partisan of situations.
When asked if our no.7 will survive in this environment, interim manager Ralf Rangnick replied, “We’ll see.” He has adequate experience, once again. He’s been in a lot of tough environments in his profession, so it shouldn’t surprise him.
It’s all about how we work together as a team for us. He won’t be able to do anything on his own. We must perform at a high level as a team, as we did against Leeds, knowing that Atletico has a high level of quality.”
After rejoining the Reds, Ronaldo scored in each of the first five group games, but sat out the 0-0 draw against Young Boys at Old Trafford with a place in the next round already secured.
Two of his six goals came in injury time, and he also scored the game-winning goal against Atalanta at home.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s stage is unquestionably the Champions League, and he will be ready to shine once more on Wednesday.
