Touch of class.
Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg between Real Madrid and Juventus was a game fraught with tension and drama.
Three goals down after the first leg in Italy, Juventus appeared on course to repeat AS Roma’s heroics against Barcelona as they rallied to a 3-0 lead at the Bernabeu.
For much of the second half, it seemed as if the holders and favourites would be on their way out, before the inevitable occurred. Real Madrid were awarded a penalty, and Cristiano Ronaldo dispatched it with the panache of a man who doesn’t know the meaning of self doubt.
In between the penalty award and the goal was an incident that broke the hearts of Juventus fans and neutrals across the world, as Gianluigi Buffon saw red – figuratively and literally – in what could well be his final act in a Champions League game.
Amazing. Cristiano Ronaldo hugs and consoles Buffon in the mixed zone while leaving the Bernabéu. Respect 👏 pic.twitter.com/vKD7RhVKm7
— TheCristianoFan 🇵🇹 (@TheCristianoFan) April 11, 2018
The Italy and Juventus legend’s fury was evident after the game, as he unleashed on English referee Michael Oliver in what can best be described as a “passionate response”.
There was, however, a moment to warm the heart in amidst the anger and anguish, as Cristiano Ronaldo – the man who delivered the killer blow to the Italian champions – embraced Buffon as he spoke to journalists in the mixed zone.
While a brief moment, it was one which showcased the respect between two titans of the sport, as well as the esteem in which Buffon is held in the game.
