Returning Ronaldo gives Juventus edge against impressive Ajax

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Cristiano Ronaldo was again hailed by Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri after scoring with his side's only shot on target to earn a 1-1 draw away to an excellent Ajax in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in Amsterdam on Wednesday.

On his return from a thigh injury, Ronaldo subdued the 50,000 home fans in the Johan Cruyff Arena when he headed Juventus in front on the stroke of half-time to take his record goal tally in the competition to 125.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus jumps high to celebrate scoring a goal to make it 0-1 during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final match between Ajax and Juventus at Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, April 10, 2019. /VCG Photo

However, Brazilian winger David Neres conjured a stunning equalizer almost immediately after half-time to give Ajax a draw that was the very least they deserved.

Despite that, it is Juventus who hold the upper hand heading into next Tuesday's return in Turin, with the winners of this tie facing Manchester City or Tottenham Hotspur in the last four.

"Ronaldo showed that he is on a different level. His timing and movement are different to everyone else's, there's nothing you can do about it," said Allegri.

David Neres (C) of Ajax celebrates 1-1 with teammates during the match between Ajax and Juventus at Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, April 10, 2019. /VCG Photo

Ronaldo had not played for his club since scoring a hat-trick to dump out Atletico Madrid in the last 16, and his goal here saved the visitors in the face of another fine Ajax performance.

"Ajax have great quality. We suffered after their goal but we defended well and finished the game better," added Allegri.

"He's a world-class player but I think we did well tonight," captain Matthijs de Ligt said of Ronaldo.

The Ajax coach, Erik ten Hag, added: "It is not the result you hope for, but it is a result. Last time we lost 2-1 to Madrid at home so we are still in it."

Manchester United 'nullified' Barca despite defeat, claims Smalling

In another UEFA Champions League match between Barcelona and Manchester United, hosts United defender Chris Smalling believes Barca were nullified emerging 1-0 victors after Luke Shaw turned a Luis Suarez header into his own net at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Luke Shaw's 12th-minute own goal means United have another Champions League mountain to climb on the road.

Luke Shaw (R) of Manchester United scores an own goal and puts Barcelona 0-1 during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final match at Old Trafford in Manchester, UK, April 10, 2019. /VCG Photo

"Playing here is always difficult because it is a majestic stadium, with history, a great atmosphere, and the fans push them on," said Barca defender Gerard Pique, who played for United between 2004 and 2008.

"They pressed, but I think we controlled the game well. We were strong at the back and looked to counter-attack.

"It was an even game but we took our chances."

Source(s): AFP