Cristiano Ronaldo Cheers Teammates In Real Madrid’s Champions League Loss [Photos]
Cristiano Ronaldo had to sit out the Champions League quarterfinal on Tuesday evening against Dortmund with a knee injury and was frustrated not to be able to help Real Madrid to a victory in their quest for the title.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti decided not to risk things and rested Ronaldo since “Los Blancos” are 3-0 in the first leg, so even with the defeat Tuesday, they are moving on to the semifinal.
Cristiano suffered a minor knee injury when the same teams faced off last week at the Santiago Bernabeu and had to leave the field with 10 minutes of play left. Real Madrid won that game 3-0.
Ancelotti said it was not serious, but, as an abundance of caution, he decided not to start the Portuguese striker in Tuesday’s match.
Real Madrid clearly struggled without Ronaldo, something that hasn’t happened earlier in the season, but as La Liga and UEFA Champions League wind down the Spanish club has been a bit shaky in the last few matches, losing their first place standing in the Spanish League.
Tuesday saw every possible emotion from Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench as he played the part of manager and cheerleader, as you can see in the photos. Wearing his warm-up suit and warm team parka, Ronaldo couldn’t stay on his seat and was seen making gestures and worriedly watching as his team fell to the Germans on their turf.
Cristiano Ronaldo looks as coach. RT if you like to see in a future coaching Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/8ISjFYk9Ib
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cr7Prince4ever) April 9, 2014
Gareth Bale Y Cristiano #Edited [ @GarethBale11 & @Cristiano ] pic.twitter.com/2Ws6AZaEjP
— Apoyo CR7 (@ApoyoCR7ICF1) April 9, 2014
Cristiano Ronaldo footage during yesterday’s match against Borussia Dortmund: https://t.co/BDma2uzLT5
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Ronaldo7net) April 9, 2014
Cristiano Ronaldo, leader on and off the pitch. pic.twitter.com/6iUV7f5724
— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) April 9, 2014
Pics from last night 2-0 defeat, yet victory on aggregate. @Cristiano and @SergioRamos hug after the final whistle pic.twitter.com/2gpt0C6smi
— Real Madrid CF (@RealMadrid_F_C) April 9, 2014
.@Cristiano will make a good manager one day! pic.twitter.com/uqaKvBNZ1j
— FansAllStar Football (@FASfootball) April 9, 2014
Ancelotti, who is fully expecting Ronaldo to be ready to play for this Saturday’s game against Almeria, told UEFA.com: “It was a night of suffering but at the end of it we are happy as we are through to the semifinals.”
Cristiano Ronaldo and “Los Blancos” will now face Chelsea — who rallied to win 2-0 at home — in the semis of the Champions League.
[Image via Maxisport / Shutterstock.com]
