Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has said that he has never seen fellow superstar Lionel Messi as a rival. He made this known in an interview with Movistar. The Portuguese hitman spoke to reporters shortly after Juventus thrashed Barcelona 3-0 away from home in their final match in Group G. Ronaldo was responsible for two goals as Juventus gave Italian football a big boost on Tuesday night ahead of the final group games involving other Italian football teams on Wednesday night.
Ronaldo won and scored a penalty to open the floodgate of goals for his team in their away game at the Nou Camp. American midfielder Weston McKennie added a second goal inside 20 minutes. The second goal came seven minutes after the opening goal from Ronaldo off an assist from Colombian international Juan Cuadrado. Cristiano Ronaldo wrapped up the dominant victory with his second penalty of the game at the start of the second half. The win ensured that Juventus finished ahead of Barcelona as group winners in Group G via a better head-to-head record.
Cristiano Ronaldo faced Lionel Messi once more during that Champions League game at the Nou Camp on Tuesday night. While Ronaldo scored, Messi was denied a couple of times by veteran Juventus shot stopper Gianlugi Buffon. Messi and Ronaldo have shared an intense rivalry especially amongst their fans, but the Portuguese national team skipper is sure that he doesn’t see Lionel Messi as a rival.
Juventus and Lazio are already through to the last 16 of the Champions League as Italian football representatives. Inter Milan and Atalanta could join them when they are in action later on Wednesday night. Inter Milan need a win in their Group B clash at home toShakhtar Donetsk to have a chance of making it into the final 16 of the competition. Atalanta can also qualify for the last 16 if they secure a draw in their Group D clash at Ajax Amsterdam.