‘He is an animal in front of goal’: Diego Simeone admits facing Cristiano Ronaldo is tough as Atletico Madrid renew Champions League rivalry with Juventus following elimination by the Portuguese last season
- Juventus will visit Atletico Madrid their Champions League group stage opener
- Cristiano Ronaldo is set to lead the line for the Serie A champions on Wednesday
- Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone labelled Ronaldo an ‘animal’ in front of goal
- Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to eliminate Atletico from last season’s competition
Diego Simeone believes Atletico Madrid face a near-impossible task in trying to stop Cristiano Ronaldo in their Champions League group stage opener against Juventus.
The former Real Madrid superstar will line up for the Old Lady at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday night having fired 25 goals in 33 games against Simeone’s side.
Now the Atletico boss has hailed Ronaldo’s goalscoring exploits – having scored a hat-trick to eliminate the La Liga side from last year’s competition in the second round.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been hailed by Diego Simeone for his goalscoring exploits
With a 2-0 lead from the first leg, Atletico were powerless to stop Ronaldo firing in three goals to ensure Juventus’ porogress.
‘It is difficult to prepare for a player like Cristiano. He is an animal in front of goal.
‘He has an incredible record and he is always difficult to control in any goal scoring situation.
‘He has made us suffer in the past, but sometimes it is our turn to lose and other times we can win.
‘We have to face Juventus with hope and put in a complete performance.’
The Portuguese scored three times to overturn a two-goal deficit and help Juventus win
Simeone is preparing to head his side against Juventus in the Champions League opener