CR7 Reveals The Reason Why He Cut Short His Celebration After Netting Against Sporting Lisbon

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Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed when speaking to the club’s official website that Real Madrid’s dramatic late victory over Sporting Lisbon in their opening Champions League match on Wednesday left him feeling bittersweet, 90min reports.

With Los Blancos trailing as the full time whistle loomed, Ronaldo dispatched a trademark free kick into the top corner of the net before Alvaro Morata completed a sensational turnaround in the 95th minute after Bruno Cesar Zanaki had given the visitors a shock lead.

Despite saving Madrid from their first European defeat at the Bernabeu for five years, Real’s number seven explained after the game as to why he chose not to perform his customary celebration.

‘It was against the team where I learned my trade. The club has a place in my heart and I have a lot of respect for them, that’s why I couldn’t celebrate it,” explained the three-time Balon d’Or winner.

A frustrating evening in the Spanish capital against Ronaldo’s former employers turned into one of relief after Madrid’s star man hauled his side level with minutes remaining on his 350th appearance for the club.

With Borussia Dortmund hitting six in their opening fixture, a draw would not have represented a good result for Zinedine Zidane’s side and could further explain Ronaldo’s decision to not overindulge in celebrations.

‘We were a bit flat at the start, but such is football and such is Real Madrid and the comebacks are part of this mythical stadium.

“This game serves as a warning that we can’t be starting games so poorly, because teams will sweep the floor with us and we don’t want that. We want to finish top of the group and win.”