Real Madrid players want Atletico to defeat Juventus in the CL because of Cristiano Ronaldo

Posted Sunday, February 24, 2019 by givemesport.com

Real Madrid are on course to win their fourth Champions League in a row, and their fifth in six years.

Los Blancos drew Ajax in the last 16 and, although they were not at their best, were able to overcome their Dutch opponents 2-1 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.

Despite being without Sergio Ramos in the second leg at the Bernabeu, it looks almost certain that they will progress to the quarter-finals.

Real Madrid's chances of winning the trophy may be strengthened as one of the other favourites for the competition, Juventus, are staring at an early exit.

The Old Lady lost 2-0 to Atletico Madrid in their first leg; a deficit that may prove too great to comeback from.

You would expect Real Madrid players to want Juventus to come through the tie, given Atletico are their fierce rivals.

But, according to AS, that is not the case.

One of the 'primary reasons' is because of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese international became a legend at Real Madrid, scoring 450 times in 438 games and helping them to four Champions League titles.

But, after a nine season spell, Ronaldo made the €100 million to Juventus in the summer.

Real Madrid players will know all too well of Ronaldo's abilities, and that's exactly why they want Atletico to finish the job.

Real Madrid players want Atletico to defeat Juventus in the CL because of Cristiano Ronaldo

The report from AS reads: "Real’s players are only too aware of the danger posed by Ronaldo in the Champions League having seen first-hand the majority of his record 121 goals in the competition.

"Even though the Portuguese has been far from prolific this season, scoring just once in Europe, his ability to turn a knock-out tie is a cause for concern for any club."

The report goes on to state that Ronaldo would be 'doubly motivated' to knock his former side out were they to be drawn together.

Real Madrid players want Atletico to defeat Juventus in the CL because of Cristiano Ronaldo

"Ronaldo would be doubly motivated to put one over on his old side and that adds to the problem," AS adds.

"Although he left most of his teammates cordially, the Portuguese was often at odds with the club hierarchy and he would be more than happy to knock his old side out with a vintage performance to remind Florentino Pérez what he is missing."

AS also state that they see Atletico as preferable opponents due to the fact they have never lost to them in a two-legged tie, while Juventus knocked them out of the competition in the 2014-15 season.