Astonishing.
Prior to tonight, Atletico Madrid had conceded just four goals in their last 13 games in all competitions. Cristiano Ronaldo has managed to score a hat-trick against them…again.
Just like he did in La Liga, CR7 was Atletico’s tormentor in chief as his goals absolutely destroyed their local rivals.
Right now, the Portuguese star is the world’s best player – sorry Messi fans, the Real Madrid man deservedly won the Ballon D’or last year – and in another virtuoso performance, the former Manchester United player absolutely obliterated one of the meanest defences in Europe.
Bayern Munich felt his wrath in the last round, tonight it’s the fate of Simeone’s men.
Yes, there are question marks surrounding the first goal, but after another imperious performance, we’re left with just one question, who in their right mind has said that Ronaldo is in decline?
In the last European match at the Vicente Calderon, Atletico Madrid are facing the mother of all Champions League tasks in the second leg, how can they turn around a three goal deficit against the champions of Europe?
Right now, Real Madrid fans are probably booking their flights to Cardiff.
They know who has made the largest contribution tonight.
Real Madrid 3-0 Atletico FT:
Shots: 17-4
Possession: 58%-42%
Chances created: 11-2
Pass accuracy: 89%-84%Ronaldo's 47th career hat-trick. pic.twitter.com/DMKatOJKhO
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 2, 2017
Only Cristiano Ronaldo can single-handedly put away Bayern and Atleti with hattricks in the space of a few weeks. Unbelievable footballer.
— Adam (@adxmjm) May 2, 2017
7 – Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have now both scored seven Champions League hat-tricks. Magnificent.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 2, 2017
Ronaldo's ridiculous. One of the most complete forwards.
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) May 2, 2017
Merciless Ronaldo. Ripped apart 1 of the best defences in Europe, hat-trick, #rmcf fans partying and probably booking flights to Cardiff
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) May 2, 2017
In Messi and Ronaldo, we're genuinely witnessing two of the five best footballers to have lived. Drink it in.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) May 2, 2017
Another @ChampionsLeague hat trick for Ronaldo. He's ridiculous.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) May 2, 2017
Naaaaaaaaaaa @Cristiano is taking LIBS!!
1/4 final hat trick
Semi final hat trick
😂😂😂— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) May 2, 2017
Thierry Henry is sixth highest goalscorer in European Cup history, with 50 goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo has more in the knockout stages alone.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) May 2, 2017
