(C) RT
   This unaltered story was originally published on RT Russian state media. [1]
   Published here by permission.
   ------------------

Another Ron: Cristiano Ronaldo scores just 13 MINUTES into record-equaling Champions League appearance (VIDEO)

By:   ['Russia Today']

Date: 2021-09

Cristiano Ronaldo wasted little time getting on the scoresheet for Manchester United in their Champions League opener at Young Boys, on the occasion that the Portugal icon equaled the all-time appearance record in the competition.

After enjoying a dream return to Old Trafford on Saturday with a Premier League double against Newcastle in front of an adoring crowd, Ronaldo continued his hot form by striking just 13 minutes on his 'second debut' in the Champions League for the English giants in their match in Switzerland.

After a quiet opening, compatriot Bruno Fernandes curled an inch-perfect ball into the box with the outside of his boot, with Ronaldo getting on the end of it from around eight yards out.

Young Boys 'keeper David von Ballmoos got a touch but was unable to stop the ball spinning over the line as the visitors went 1-0 up.

Ronaldo scores the first goal of the Champions League season 😤 @brfootball(via @CBSSportsGolazo) pic.twitter.com/qSv9Ct9HP8 — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 14, 2021

🇵🇹🤝 What an assist!Bruno Fernandes ➡️ Cristiano Ronaldo = ⚽️#UCLpic.twitter.com/BGqjnjPzqn — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 14, 2021

The strike was Ronaldo's 135th in the competition, on the occasion that he joined former Real Madrid teammate Iker Casillas as the tournament's record appearance makers on 177 matches.

177 - Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make his 177th UEFA Champions League appearance, equalling Iker Casillas as the player the with the most appearances in the competition's history. Staple. pic.twitter.com/mGgoZX14Hq — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 14, 2021

Ronaldo is now 15 goals clear of great rival Lionel Messi as the Champions League's all-time top scorer, and has scored in 17 straight seasons in the competition, according to ESPN.

Ronaldo scored the vast majority of his Champions League haul at Real Madrid, netting 105 times in the tournament while at the Spaniards.

The prolific star added a comparatively modest 14 to that tally at Juventus, and now has 16 goals in Europe's premier club competition for Manchester United.

Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored in 17 straight UCL campaigns ⭐️Eternal!! pic.twitter.com/n3E4l17TiY — ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 14, 2021

63 - In 68 Champions League appearances since turning 30, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 63 goals - 35 more than any other player has scored aged 30 or older in Champions League history. Durable. pic.twitter.com/jUhUS95gnh — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 14, 2021

36 - Young Boys are the 36th different team Cristiano Ronaldo has scored against in the UEFA Champions League, with no player scoring against more (also Lionel Messi on 36). Collection. pic.twitter.com/xVk4EDZnnC — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 14, 2021

Having failed to help Juventus end their 25-year drought for Champions League glory, Ronaldo, 36, returned to United in a shock summer move when it seemed he could switch to bitter rivals Manchester City.

The Old Trafford giants haven't won Europe's biggest club competition since 2008 – when Ronaldo was part of the team which won a penalty shootout against Chelsea in Moscow.

The Portugal icon left for Real Madrid the following summer, with his last game for United coming in the 2009 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.

Twelve years and four more Champions League titles later, CR7 is back on the scoresheet for his former club in his favorite competition once again.

[END]

[1] Url: https://www.rt.com/sport/534827-cristiano-ronaldo-goal-champions-league-record/

RT via gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/rt/