Cristiano Ronaldo removed his Manchester United jersey, flexed his muscular physique, and soaked in the acclaim of the fans after his winning goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
Not a bad way for the Portugal superstar to mark another record-breaking night in the Champions League.
On his record 178th appearance in the competition, Ronaldo made his most decisive intervention with virtually the last kick of the game at Old Trafford to complete United’s dramatic comeback in a 2-1 victory over Villarreal on Wednesday.
After winning a header from a hopeful cross into the area, Ronaldo showed his sprightliness at the age of 36 by then reacting to a loose ball after a touch by substitute Jesse Lingard and shooting underneath Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli from a narrow-angle.
Old Trafford erupted, with sprint great Usain Bolt — draped in a red-and-white United scarf — among the home supporters celebrating as chants of “Viva Ronaldo” swept around the stadium.
It was Ronaldo’s fifth goal in five games since joining from Juventus for a second spell at United, and definitely his most important.
Oh, and make that 136 goals in the Champions League — a record, naturally.
That Ronaldo had a quiet game, by his standards, might get overlooked because of his late goal.
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