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All eyes are currently on Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo after he bagged an unbelievable hat-trick last week. His exploits helped Juventus overcome a 2-goal deficit against Atletico Madrid and qualify for the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League.
The attacker was snatched by Juventus from Real Madrid during the summer transfer window in order to strengthen the Bianconeri's chances of claiming Europe's elite trophy this season. And he has stepped up to justify the move, silencing all the doubters with his stunning display last Tuesday.
Following that performance, many are tipping the Portuguese to go all the way with his new club in the Champions League this term. With a clash against Ajax up next in the quarterfinals, Ronaldo is well placed to make history once again.
Here are 3 reasons why he could lead the Serie A giants all the way to claim the continental crown this season:
#3 His record in the competition
Cristiano Ronaldo's greatness in the UEFA Champions League cannot be overstated. The Portuguese is undoubtedly the greatest player in the history of the European tournament - courtesy of his unbelievable performances and unprecedented achievements in the competition during the past few years.
The former Real Madrid winger is the all-time highest scorer in the Champions League, with a whopping 124 goals to his name. He has finished as the top scorer of the tournament on 7 occasions, including the last 6 consecutive years, and he is one of the few superstars to have won the competition with multiple clubs.
Ronaldo recently helped Real Madrid complete their record of 3 consecutive Champions League triumphs last season, raising his tally to 5 trophies - to go with numerous other records he already has to his name in the competition. If there is anyone who could lead his team to win the European tournament, then his name has to be Cristiano.
#2. His current form
Even though Juventus have been one of the most consistent sides in the Champions League the past few years, there is no denying the fact that the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo gives them a huge chance of claiming the trophy this season.
Following his switch from Real Madrid to Turin during the summer, Ronaldo has been going from strength to strength as he continues with his standard-setting exploits in the Serie A. The attacker has recorded 19 goals and 10 assists to his name in the Italian top flight this term, helping the Bianconeri stay 15 points clear at the top of the table with just 10 games to go.
While he started slowly in the Champions League, the Portuguese returned to his obvious best last week, bagging an incredible hat-trick to help Juventus overturn a 2-goal deficit against Atletico Madrid and seal their place in the quarterfinals. With Ronaldo in such fantastic form, he is well-placed to lead the Bianconeri to European success this season.
#1. Powerful supporting cast
While Ronaldo is a player who can single-handedly win big games for his team just as we saw against Atletico Madrid last week, the presence of world-class superstars in the Juventus squad also further strengthens his chances of leading the Bianconeri to European success this season.
With players like Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic, Douglas Costa, Miralem Pjanic, Blaise Matuidi, Georgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Sami Khedira, Ronaldo has an incredible supporting cast who could help in getting even more out of him.
These players are also committed to winning the Champions League with Juventus this term, and that could make the task even easier. A powerful team made up of fantastic players with the same hunger for success will boost Ronaldo in his quest to lead the Serie A outfit to European glory once again.
