'Disgusting': Fans in meltdown over Cristiano Ronaldo moment
The football world has been left gobsmacked after a rare lowlight in the illustrious career of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese star's Juve booked their spot in the knockout phase of the Champions League after a 2-1 against Lokomotiv Moscow in Russia.
However, it was Ronaldo's substitution in the closing stages of the match that had the football world buzzing.
Juventus coach Sarri has no doubt risked the wrath of the Portuguese star and fans after hooking him with the match hanging in the balance.
Incredibly, it was the first time Sarri has pulled off his superstar player and only the third time in his Juventus career that Ronaldo hasn't seen out a match.
What's more remarkable is that Juventus were 1-1 with Lokomotiv at the time and searching for the winning goal that Ronaldo has provided on so many occasions.
The leading goalscorer in the competition's history, Ronaldo didn't appear to take his substitution overly well.
Unsurprisingly, the incident left viewers in a frenzy on social media.
Ronaldo took being subbed off well, then ✌️ pic.twitter.com/SldEBkAscs
— Goal (@goal) November 6, 2019
Ronaldo has been subbed off with Juventus chasing a winner... #LOKJUV #UCL pic.twitter.com/jJVkeEKFtO
— ROOTE SPORTS (@Rootesports) November 6, 2019
Disgraceful by Sarri and @juventusfcen @juventusfc. Ronaldo has earned to never be subbed off in a game no matter what. You do not sub off Cristiano Ronaldo. Disgusting.
— Dylan🧢 (@DylanReport) November 6, 2019
🔄 Cristiano Ronaldo substituted for only the third time in his Juventus career!
And first time under Maurizio Sarri. pic.twitter.com/zKhv4PDvuj— Adriano Del Monte (@adriandelmonte) November 6, 2019
Has Sarri actually just subbed Ronaldo 😂🤕
— Josh Coles (@joshcoless) November 6, 2019
ronaldo got subbed off lolol
— - (@phillysflyers) November 6, 2019
Wait! Sarri actually subbed off Ronaldo 😂🤣 Mad Man
— One Hustler Like Dat (@swish_mr) November 6, 2019
I've watched a host of Juve games this season and I've seen Ronaldo play terribly, but never has he been subbed off when they need a goal. A winner even.
Is this the end of it all for the 24yo 34yo? Is it?— Optimist Prime (@Elder_Adeolu) November 6, 2019
Ronaldo getting subbed when Juventus need a goal while Real Madrid are dominating and are 3-0 up in 14 minutes. If i speak...
— Denis 🐐 (@Stoichkovinho) November 6, 2019
Even on Cristiano Ronaldo's bad day he still gets an assist.......
But some people want to murder him because he was subbed off .
Clowns 🤡🤡🤡😂😂😂— Doctor Love 💜 (@Prince__Chris) November 6, 2019
Sarri was in need of goal and subbed Ronaldo off in a ucl game...And he got the goal.
Scenes bruh!— Voldemort Emeritus (@shey_drogo) November 6, 2019
What’s more satisfying is Ronaldo was subbed off before Juventus’ winner 💉💉💉💉💉💉
— Klenam (@eQlenam) November 6, 2019
Fortunately for the Juventus coach, his risky Ronaldo substitution paid off as the Italians were able to fashion the winner to seal their passage into the knockout stages.
It was somewhat of a match to forget for Ronaldo, who saw a free kick goal effectively stolen off him from teammate Aaron Ramsey.
Cristiano #Ronaldo free kick ✅
Goalkeeper howler ✅
Aaron Ramsey nicking it ✅
Juve's 300th #UCL goal ✅
Juventus' opener against Lokomotiv Moscow had it all. #UCL #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/xZMq8kwPdy— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) November 6, 2019
Ramsey got the finishing touch on Ronaldo’s free-kick which Lokomotiv goalkeeper Guilherme let slip through his hands and legs just four minutes in.
Aleksey Miranchuk levelled in the 12th, tapping home his header which hit the post.
Douglas Costa scored in stoppage time to send Juventus into the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday, along with Bayern Munich.
A sensational winner for Juventus ⚫⚪
This is one of the classiest late goals you're likely to see this #ChampionsLeague season 🤩#OptusSport pic.twitter.com/8eaYW0NAL4— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) November 6, 2019
The former Bayern winger Costa struck for a 2-1 win at Lokomotiv Moscow after a strong run past several defenders and a sublime one-two with Gonzalo Higuain.
Bayern have a maximum 12 points in Group B following their 2-0 victory against Olympiacos in their first game since coach Niko Kovac was sacked and assistant Hansi Flick acting as caretaker.
Robert Lewandowski broke the deadlock in the 69th minute for his sixth goal in the elite event and 21st in all competitions this season. Substitute Ivan Persisic wrapped up matters with his first touch in the 89th on the counter.
Bayern are assured of finishing in the top two with two games to spare. Tottenham (four) play at Red Star Belgrade (three) later in the day. Olympiacos (one) are last.
With AAP