Buffon sees red as Ronaldo bails out Real

That red card remains a stain on Zidane’s glorious career and Buffon must now hope that his first Champions League sending-off does not become the first point of reference when the reflections begin on his illustrious career.

“I don’t understand why they protested the penalty”, Ronaldo said.

The Spanish giants had held a three-goal advantage over their Italian counterparts, however, they had made life hard for themselves in the early stages and nearly came to pay. Today’s game should serve as a lesson. “Evidently if we achieve the miracle we would all be very happy”.

Poland keeper Wojciech Szczesny came on but couldn’t stop Ronaldo’s powerful shot into the top corner of the net before the Portugal raced to the corner flag while tearing off his shirt and pozing Tarzan-style before jubilant Madrid fans. The Madrid crowd at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium gave Buffon a standing ovation as he left the field. They played well but we were just average, the difference is we kept believing until the end.

“When we’re in the knockout rounds of the tournament, we need to train the referees up quickly, put good people in charge and help them to bring in VAR”.

“In football nothing is given away, we have to fight until the end”.

Keylor Navas failed to collect a cross into the box and Blaise Matuidi was in the right place at the right time to poke the ball home for an improbable equalizer.

Before the break, Mandzukic would score another header to set up a thrilling second-half. At the opposite goal hosted Buffon, who won several duels have Ronaldo, Bale and ISCO. “We had to change the shape of the team, and it changed the dynamic of the game”.

The decision caused two contrasting reactions from both sides, with Los Blancos elated, whilst the Old Lady were furious with the Englishman’s decision, Buffon more than others.

“He’s a magnificent player and this perhaps wasn’t his last Champions League appearance”.

Madrid join Bayern Munich, Roma and Liverpool in the Champions League last four.

“I have a bitter taste as we didn’t have the chance to go to extra-time”, Allegri said. “By conceding the goal after a minute, you drop your head and give them life”.

The game looked to be heading for extra time before a chaotic final few minutes saw even the calmest of players lose control.