Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick secured progression for Juventus on a stunning night of Champions League action as Atlético Madrid bowed out of Europe.
The former Real Madrid star delivered on the big stage yet again with two headers and a penalty at Juventus Stadium. It proved a bitter pill to swallow for the La Liga side, but a stunning comeback that Ronaldo remarkably predicted prior to the game.
"Another hat-trick in the blazing career of Cristiano Ronaldo!"
???
What a penalty!
What a hat-trick!
What a comeback!#JuveAtleti #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/fv5Se19a4K— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 12, 2019
As reported by IOL.com prior to the tie, Ronaldo had called on the Old Lady faithful to believe: "These are the great nights, the fantastic ones: the Champions League nights. The team is confident of playing a great game, and I am too. To the fans I say: think positive, let’s believe."
Spanish outfit Marca even reported that the Portuguese striker predicted his own hat-trick.
It is also the third time Ronaldo has scored a hat-trick against Jan Oblak and ensures the Seria A champions march on to the final eight in what is increasingly looking like a blockbuster quarter-final stage.
WATCH! ?
RONALDOOOOO!
His 122nd goal in the Champions League! #JuveAtleti #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/P5auYJbRgO
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 12, 2019
It finished 3-2 on aggregate.
