Since his arrival at Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo has become a source of confidence and inspiration for the entire squad, helping the side to a comfortable top-of-the-table lead in the Serie A and a real chance at the Champions League title.
However, Italy head coach Roberto Mancini believes that Ronaldo is not as efficient as he used to be in the Champions League this season, but believes that he has had a good season in Italy overall.
The Turin giants have established domestic dominance once again, going through 25 games unbeaten as they close in on an eighth successive top-flight crown.
Ronaldo has been a talismanic presence, recording 21 goals in his debut campaign, but only one of those has come in the Champions League from the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
Juve had been hoping that a man with five continental successes and as many Ballons d’Or to his name would help to carry them to European glory in 2019, but they are still waiting on a truly inspirational showing.
Speaking to Tiki Taka, the manager said, “Juve-Atletico? They know it’ll be a difficult game. There’s no magic formula for the comeback, but Juve are an experienced team and they came back from 3-0 down at home to Real Madrid last season.”
Mancini added that while Ronaldo has not been doing well in Europe’s elite competition, he has still achieved a lot of “important things”.
“Perhaps Ronaldo isn’t doing in the Champions League what he’s done in the past, but he’s always achieved important things.”
“He’s doing well in Serie A. I think at his level, it’s hard anywhere. The League in Italy is as difficult as it is in England and a little less so in Spain, but for me, he’s having a good season.”
Ronaldo’s record against Atletico from his time at Real Madrid makes for impressive reading, but he drew a rare blank when returning to the Spanish capital at Wanda Metropolitano.
He still made plenty of headlines after informing the locals of how many Champions League wins he has to his name, but was unable to make an impact against Diego Simeone’s side.