‘Why Juventus Star Ronaldo Is On A ‘Different Level’ After Ajax Goal’

Ronaldo gave Juventus the lead with a diving header just before half time as they went on to draw 1-1 against Ajax in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

The 34-year-old was playing his first game for the Old Lady since he suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Portugal last month.

And Allegri was full of praise for the player who has won the competition five times.

“Ronaldo proved once again he is a player of a different level,” Allegri said.

“His timing and movement is different to everyone else.”

The sentiment was echoed by Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt, who after the game labelled the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as a “predator” in the box.

“It was a fiery atmosphere from the start and we had a few early chances, but unfortunately conceded just before half-time,” De Ligt said.

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“Ronaldo’s greatest quality, apart from his talent, is that he is a predator in the box.

“He sees an opportunity, just a tiny gap, and he goes for it incredibly quickly.

“He sprints into the area between two players.

“We know that you can’t leave gaps at the back for Juventus, as that’s what they prepare for.”

Allegri singled out Rodrigo Bentancur’s movement as being instrumental in their opening goal.

The 21-year-old Uruguayan made a run to pull De Ligt out of position and create the space for Ronaldo to head in Joao Cancelo’s cross and claim his 125th Champions League goal in the process.

“A midfielder needs to push forward too and create movement,” Allegri said.

“Bentancur didn’t do that against Milan on a Mattia De Sciglio cross, but he did this time and created the space for Ronaldo’s run.”

Juventus take an away goal advantage back to Turin with them for the return leg which will be played on Tuesday (8pm).

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