A rejuvenated Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice on his first competitive start of the season as Real Madrid beat APOEL Nicosia 3-0 on Wednesday.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid began the defence of the Champions League title on a strong note, easing past APOEL Nicosia. The Portuguese front-man opened the scoring by slotting in from close range and also added a penalty in the second half. Sergio Ramos scored the third goal which sealed victory for the Spanish side.
Zinedine Zidane’s side now top Group H on goal difference ahead of Tottenham. Although Ronaldo has been banned from domestic football since August for pushing a referee, the player only needed 12 minutes to get his name back among the goals in the competition where he is the all-time top scorer.
The win was a fairly easy one for Real Madrid but it will lay a strong foundation for them to build on after a couple of disappointing draws in La Liga. The Hard Tackle takes a look at some of the best tweets regarding the game.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 9️⃣2️⃣ goals in 8️⃣9️⃣ #UCL games for Real Madrid. #RMAAPO pic.twitter.com/xLZSzsMoKD
— Goldon Shoe (@EuroGoldonShoe) September 13, 2017
Yesss @realmadrid started their defence with a 3-0 victory.@Cristiano with a brace#UCL #RMAAPO #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/RBm6oteayW
— Jayant Jain (@jjjterry_jain) September 13, 2017
This is fascinating, we have goals everywhere!!! What a start! 😍 #RMAAPO #TOTBVB #LIVSEV #
— Shakthawatt (@Shakthawat) September 13, 2017
The Kingggg scores @ bernabeu 🔥🔥🔥🔥😍😍😍❤❤❤
Very good finish
And a fine assist by @GarethBale11 #HalaMadridYNadaMas #RMAAPO— Praveen (@praveen17595) September 13, 2017
https://twitter.com/RMadridBabe/status/908074117458513921
No player created more chances than Bale (5) in tonight's #UCL game between Real Madrid and APOEL. pic.twitter.com/00W7u2x4lO
— SupportingBale (@SupportingBale) September 13, 2017
Real Madrid have now scored in 72 consecutive games in all comps, they are just one match away from equaling Santos' record (73 games). pic.twitter.com/PvPF3GX4XZ
— RmadridEdition (@RmadridEdition) September 14, 2017
While the general mood was exuberant among the fans, many expressed their opinions on the infamous penalty.
https://twitter.com/josepintoj/status/908057338581360640
https://twitter.com/LeahVdc/status/908057404016939009
https://twitter.com/UltraSuristic_/status/908056204865425409
However, the fans were delighted with Sergio Ramos’ overhead kick which gifted Madrid their third goal.
https://twitter.com/RMadridBabe/status/908063424453775368
https://twitter.com/RkFutbol/status/908059678726291456
https://twitter.com/XavsFutbol/status/908060166393823232
Sergio Ramos has now scored 7⃣0⃣ goals in all competitions for Real Madrid.
👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/WlKHbLHSk0
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 14, 2017
🎖👟👏 #RealMadrid@Cristiano and @SergioRamos have been nominated for the 2017 Golden Foot award!
👉 https://t.co/0mXj0m5HEO#HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/xg1OF4hlWI
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) September 12, 2017
https://twitter.com/TheKingSR4/status/908087997253464064
6 – Sergio Ramos has scored more goals than any other La Liga defender in 2017 in all competitions. Heart. pic.twitter.com/L5Mcto5JUz
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) September 13, 2017
Sergio Ramos, wins the ball back, passes to Marcelo, goes forward, scores a bicycle kick goal. Your defender could never
— ّ (@ModricEsque) September 13, 2017
https://twitter.com/KaizerT8_/status/908059328736788480
Hala Madrid, Cristiano, Sergio Ramos are World wide trending on Twitter
— Real Madrid Info ³⁶ (@RMadridInfo) September 13, 2017
Defenders with most goals in Champions League history:
▪️ Roberto Carlos (16)
▪️ Sergio Ramos (11) pic.twitter.com/f2u8hGRIcS— RmadridEdition (@RmadridEdition) September 13, 2017
Sergio Ramos is defending on one end and scoring overhead kick goal on other end. What a player.
Leader!
— Real Madrid Pakistan 🇵🇰 (@RMPS_Official) September 13, 2017
SERGIO RAMOS CAN DO ANYTHING
— chuboi 🇳🇬🇨🇦 (@ChuBoi) September 13, 2017
On a side note, Marco Asensio’s embarrassing shaving injury paved way for a lot of jokes on Twitter. Take a look.
https://twitter.com/footy_com/status/907962291567521792
When you hear Marcos Asensio is set to miss Real Madrid’s Champions League opener because of a pimple on his leg caused by shaving… pic.twitter.com/0R2CkcnBNs
— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) September 13, 2017
Asensio couldn't play for Madrid tonight due to a pimple on his leg. But Liverpool let Dejan Lovren play with a hole in his foot? Disgrace pic.twitter.com/UZWie0Khli
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) September 13, 2017
https://twitter.com/Footy_Jokes/status/908110556590198784
When you see why Marco Asensio can't play tonight. pic.twitter.com/0ysTV8MqPl
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) September 13, 2017
https://twitter.com/Footy_Jokes/status/908009939611803648