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It's another season and a new chapter in the career of arguably the greatest player in Champions League history - Cristiano Ronaldo.
We all know the torrid time Real Madrid have been having in the European tournament since the attacker left the Santiago Bernabeu. Juventus on their part did not mince words when they stated the reason why they lured Ronaldo to the Old Lady - they want him to work his magic and inspire them to Champions League success, the way he did at Real.
The last season did not pan out well in that regard. It wasn't that CR7 didn't play his part, but it just wasn’t meant to be. Ronaldo put in the kind of performances that made him stand out at the Bernabeu - inspiring his team, especially during the knockout stages of the competition - but it wasn't enough.
But now a new campaign has begun and a number of factors are working in favour of the Turin club. This could be the season where Ronaldo makes good on his reputation and reminds us why he is the best player in Champions League history - by inspiring Juve to the much-awaited success that has eluded them for a while.
Here, we highlight four reasons why the Portuguese could go all the way and get the job done for the Bianconeri this term:
#4 Determination to secure his legacy
We all know that Ronaldo does not shy away from his responsibilities, and Juve told the whole world why he was brought in - to lead them to Champions League success. It would be considered a failure on all parties involved if, in the long run, this dream is not achieved.
Most importantly, it would be a stain on CR7’s glistering and impressive career. You know how those talks would go: he did it at United and Real, but at Juve… he fell short.
Ronaldo will not want such a blemish on his CV. That suggests he would be fully prepared to face the challenges that come in his way.
We know that when Ronaldo puts his heart to something, there is no stopping him. His fans would hope that that grit works for him as it has always done in the past, and he leads the charge to return Juventus to the summit of European football.
#3 Lionel Messi’s recent FIFA The Best award triumph
It is no secret that there is an ongoing rivalry between the two most brilliant players of this era - Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. If one of the two gets an individual award, the other pushes for it too.
Until last month, both of them were tied on five Ballon d’Or and FIFA the Best Awards apiece. However, with Messi taking home an extra FIFA The Best award recently and going one ahead of his rival, Ronaldo will definitely want to show the world that he deserves another top individual accolade too.
What better way to do that than winning major honours? And what bigger honour than the UEFA Champions League?
Ronaldo knows that his claim on another award would come down to success on the European front. And he will want to do everything in his power to make sure he gets it.
#2 Maurizio Sarri’s influence
The Bianconeri are known for their impenetrable defence which, to some extent, is down to the style of their former manager Massimiliano Allegri. That had an impact on the performances of Ronaldo last season; as we all know, he thrives better in an attack-minded team.
With the arrival of Maurizio Sarri and his attacking-minded tactics, Ronaldo will likely enjoy a more prolific campaign in front of goal this season than the previous one - especially in his favorite competition, the UCL.
During Ronaldo's spell at Real, his lowest point was during the era of Jose Mourinho, and we all know that Mourinho is defence-minded. It could have been the same obstacle that hounded him last season which made Champions League elusive.
His fans would keep their fingers crossed while seeing how he fares under an attack-minded manager this term.
#1 Juventus have a better squad this time
Let's face it, Juve’s squad this season is better than the one last term. Although they were strong during the previous campaign, the Bianconeri have added even more power to their ranks with a couple of decent transactions in the transfer market this summer.
The Old Lady made their backline stronger with the signing of Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax. The 20-year-old is, without a doubt, one of the finest young defenders in European football at the moment. And he has already started adapting to life in Serie A with some promising performances so far.
The likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Gonzalo Higuain, and Leonardo Bonucci have all returned, while players like Danilo and Luca Pellegrini have also switched to the Allianz Stadium to further strengthen the team.
Although Ronaldo will take the lead, the support of these players will make the job easier.
