Ajax Sensational Defender Salutes Ronaldo For His Goal-Scoring Skills

Ajax defender Matthijs De Ligt has saluted Cristiano Ronaldo’s predatory instincts following their 1-1 Champions League draw against Juventus.

After nearly a whole month, Ronaldo returned to the Juventus line-up at Ajax upon recovering from a thigh injury he sustained while on international duty for Portugal last month.

And it turned out that Ronaldo’s comeback couldn’t have come at a better time for Juventus, who struggled in the first leg of their quarter-final tie in Amsterdam on Wednesday night.

The Bianconeri were overwhelmed by Ajax, who enjoyed 61% of the ball possession and forced Juventus into defensive play as they eyed a similar upset to the one they managed against Real Madrid in the previous round.

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But the Ajax defence made a costly mistake by failing to track Ronaldo’s run into the area before he powerfully headed in Joao Cancelo’s cross past a helpless keeper Andre Onana to put Juventus ahead into half-time.

Although David Neres ensured the hosts wouldn’t leave empty handed by scoring a spectacular curling effort to settle the first leg with a 1-1 draw.

“It was a fiery atmosphere from the start and we had a few early chances, but unfortunately conceded just before half-time,” said De Ligt.

“Ronaldo’s greatest quality, apart from his talent, is that he is a predator in the box. He sees an opportunity, just a tiny gap, and he goes for it incredibly quickly. He sprints into the area between two players.

“We know that you can’t leave gaps at the back for Juventus, as that’s what they prepare for. We passed it around and tried to find holes in their defence.

“I think we’ve done pretty well. We have a team with a lot of potential and that tends to emerge to its fullest in Champions League matches.

“We work so hard for each other. We proved today that Ajax are not in the Champions League quarter-finals because they are a fluke.

“Of course, Juventus are strong at home, everyone knows that, so it’ll be difficult in the second leg.”

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Ronaldo equalled Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s record of six Champions League goals at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Wednesday.

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri was also among those to paid tribute to the Portuguese superstar’s class at the final whistle.

The return leg between Juventus and Ajax will take place at Turin next Tuesday.

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