Portugal advanced to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Nations League on Friday with a 5-1 thrashing of Poland, thanks in large part to a magnificent bicycle kick scored by Cristiano Ronaldo, who seemed to have stepped back in time.
As the Polish defense learned the hard way, the 39-year-old captains his national team even though he is nearing the end of his playing career. He is also still lethal with the ball.
Ronaldo began the match up front and scored twice as Manchester United cruised to a resounding victory. Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, and Pedro Neto, who plays for Chelsea, also found the back of the net.The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star doubled Portugal’s lead with a penalty kick, but it was his second goal that surprised the Estadio do Dragao crowd.
The most famous goal in Champions League history is Ronaldo’s breathtaking bicycle kick he scored in 2018 against Juventus; his most recent shot wasn’t quite as spectacular, but it was still a remarkable achievement.
In the dying minutes of regulation time, Portugal assaulted the Polish penalty area until PSG midfielder Vitinha was able to complete a quick-one-two and send the ball across goal.
Ronaldo was in acres of space at the back post when he received his exquisite cross, and the superstar striker dutifully rose to meet the ball with an incredible connection.
With Neto’s cross soaring into the air, Ronaldo had to muster most of the force himself. He accomplished the effort flawlessly, hitting the ball back across goal and into the bottom corner, leaving goalkeeper Marcin Bulka stranded.
As soon as the ball went in, the 50,000-seater stadium went boom. Ronaldo, visibly shocked, dashed out to celebrate, doing his now-iconic siuuu dance and raising his arms before being surrounded by teammates.