Highlights:
- Juventus thrashed Barcelona in their home ground in the final match of Champions League group stage
- Pirlo said Ronalod was “motivated” to face Messi
- Ronaldo shared a post on Twitter and also talked about his rivalry with Messi
The Old Lady’s coach Andrea Pirlo discussed his talisman’s two-goal performance against the Catalans on Wednesday saying Cristiano Ronaldo was very motivated to face his “eternal rival” Lionel Messi after his brace inspired a 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League Group Stage.
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This is the first time since 2009/09 Group Stage that Barcelona conceded 3 goals at home, last time this happened was exactly 12 years ago on 9th December 2008 when Shakhtar Donetsk defeated Barcelona 3-2 at Camp Nou.
Messi and Ronaldo faced each other for the first time in Champions League since 2011 and the latter came out on top at Camp Nou, when Juventus displaced Barca to claim Group G on Wednesday only because of lower goals conceded in the group stage.
Juventus’ superstar footballer Ronaldo, who left Real Madrid back in 2018, became the first player in the history of Champions League to score two penalties in a single game against Barcelona.
With these 2 goals, Ronaldo has taken his tally to 14 goals in 13 games against Barcelona in their home ground in all competitions. This is more than any other away ground in his club senior year.
Ronaldo downplayed his rivalry with Messi saying, “I have always had a very cordial relationship with him,” talking to Movistar.
Ronaldo said, “I shared 12, 13 or 14 years of award ceremonies with him. I never saw him as a rival.
“He always tries to do what is best for his team and me too. I always got along very well with him.
“But we know that in football, for the press, for the show, a rivalry is sought, but I have always gotten along well with him. I see him as always.”
However, Pirlo talking to Sky Sport Italia, said, “Ronaldo was very motivated to put in a good performance here against his eternal rival, so when you’re that motivated, it becomes simple.
“There are many games in a season and it’s easier to get fired up for fixtures like this, but we mustn’t lose sight of the real target, which is Serie A, so we have to be this concentrated and committed there too.”
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Ronaldo said, “Barcelona are going through a difficult time, but it is still Barcelona”
With the defeat, Barca slipped to the second position in their Group at the end of Group Stages which has happened for the first time since 2006/07 season of the UEFA Champions League.
At the same time. Juventus became the first-ever Italian team to score three-plus goals against Barcelona in UEFA Competition.
Pirlo said, “It was important for our journey that we pick up where we left off in the derby. When you start with that focus, concentration and determination, then the quality emerges”.
He added, “We had prepared the match to create superiority in midfield with three against their two, the midfielders like McKennie able to push up, as we knew they had difficulty stopping them pushing up through the middle.
“The tactical plan worked and then the players did really well to make the most of the scoring opportunities.” Juventus currently are placed 4th on Seria A points table with 20 points after 10 games, 6 points behind the leaders AC Milan.
