Champions League: Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in every game against former clubs… will that continue tonight?
Sporting Lisbon will face a Cristiano Ronaldo desperate to keep up incredible record when they face Real Madrid at Bernabeu
SPORTING LISBON know they will do well to keep Cristiano Ronaldo quiet tonight.
And not just because he’s back in form and red-hot favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.
But because Real Madrid’s No.7 has scored every single time he has faced his former clubs.
It’s one of the oldest adages in football — but Ronaldo takes it to the extreme.
Here's a look back at his previous encounters against ex-employers.
v Sporting Lisbon (a) — 2007-08
After bringing in Nani, Anderson, Owen Hargreaves and Carlos Tevez, there was much optimism at Old Trafford that they could build on the previous season's Champions League semi-final defeat.
But they faced a tricky opener in Lisbon.
Edwin van der Sar was forced to make a superb save to keep the game goalless.
And Ronaldo was on hand to score the only goal on 61 minutes with an expert diving header.
He held his hands up in apology to the Sporting fans rather than celebrate his important goal.
v Sporting Lisbon (h) — 2007-08
United had already guaranteed qualification with four wins from four and needed a point to secure top spot.
Trailing 1-0 at half-time, Sir Alex Ferguson rang the changes and immediately the equaliser came via an own goal.
Not content with a draw, United pushed for the win — and won a free-kick just outside the box in stoppage time.
Up stepped Ronaldo to win the game. And this time he celebrated.
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v Manchester United (h) — 2012-13
It was billed as one of the biggest Champions League clashes of recent times.
Real Madrid had finished runners up to Borussia Dortmund in their group and had to face in-form United.
Danny Welbeck put the Red Devils ahead at the Bernabeu.
But Ronaldo equalised with another trademark thumping header to leave the tie finely poised ahead of his Old Trafford return.
v Manchester United (a) — 2012-13
Fergie got his tactics spot on to nullify the effectiveness of Xabi Alonso — and a Sergio Ramos own goal set an already electric Old Trafford in delirium.
But things went sour when Nani received a controversial red card.
Real Madrid boss, Jose Mourinho, changed things around and Luka Modric equalised with a thumping drive.
But it was an apologetic Ronaldo who had the final say as he slid in to send the away side through to the quarter-finals.