Cristiano Ronaldo scored a winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time as Manchester United came from behind to beat Villarreal 2-1 in the Champions League this morning.
Making his record 178th appearance in the competition, Ronaldo latched onto a loose ball in the area and slotted a finish under Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli before running to the fans and removing his jersey to reveal his muscular physique.
READ MORE: Grand final referee weighs in on feud between coaches
It was Ronaldo’s fifth goal in five games since joining United from Juventus for a second spell at Old Trafford and definitely his most important.
“Cristiano Ronaldo in the last minute of stoppage time does it again,” said legendary commentator Martin Tyler.
“It’s typical Manchester United and it’s typical Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Villarreal looked like handing United a second straight loss in Group F — after the Premier League team’s shocking 2-1 defeat at Swiss outsider Young Boys two weeks ago — by going in front in the 53rd through Paco Alcacer, who poked in a finish through the legs of United goalkeeper David De Gea following a cross by Arnaut Danjuma off the outside of his right boot.
United had been outplayed by that point but equalised within seven minutes through Alex Telles, who was picked out by a pinpoint pass from midfielder Bruno Fernandes at a free kick. The Brazilian left back took a step back at the edge of the area and struck a first-time volley that swerved inside the far post.
“I always have the feeling we will win the game,” Fernandes said after the match.
“Also when they scored, I felt we could turn it around… the push from the fans was incredible and some big saves from David (de Gea).
“Cristiano, strikers have that feeling to score and he did it once again.”
Villarreal had started with a 2-2 draw at home to Atalanta.
READ MORE: Joe Root still not committed to England’s Ashes team
The result broke a run of four straight 0-0s between the teams in Champions League play, dating back to pair group matches in 2005 and 2008.
The teams also met in the Europa League final in May, with Villarreal winning a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!