Leonardo Bonucci reveals the difference between Cristiano Ronaldo and other players.
Juventus have travelled to the Capital city of Spain to face Atletico Madrid the Champions League Round of 16. The Italian outfit are keen to lift Europe’s most prestigious trophy for the first time in 23 years after the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Old Lady have made an excellent start to the campaign by securing 66 points from 24 games into the season. With just 14 ties left, they are already thirteen points ahead of Napoli who are currently occupying the second place in the league table.
Massimiliano Allegri’s side is known for its defensive resilience, but they have struggled in the backline conceding four goals in the group stages alone. On the other hand, they have leaked just 15 goals in the Serie A which is an excellent record.
They will be cautious when they take on Atletico Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday. The likes of Antonie Griezmann, Alvaro Morata, and Angel Correa possess a severe threat on the counter-attack.
Leonardo Bonucci, who moved back to Juventus during the summer of 2018 has spoken highly about Cristiano Ronaldo. Like the defender, the former Real Madrid forward moved to Turin last summer and has established himself as the main centre forward in the side.
The Portuguese International has scored 21 goals in all competitions this term, but he would want to increase his tally in the Champions League. The record holder of Europe’s elite competition has found the back of the net only once this season and will be looking to add more when he faces his old rivals Atletico Madrid.
The 34-year-old has a habit of finding the back of the net more often against Atletico Madrid and Juventus will be hoping for the same.
Bonucci spoke to the Spanish publication Sport to praise Ronaldo and adds on what he brings to the team as a whole, “His intensity and his straightforward manner of playing. He’s the first one to support the rest of the team with positive words.
“His manner of training is incredible, every day after training you’ll find him doing extra session in the club gymnasium. There are times when his levels of stamina are simply staggering. He’s a machine and I have great admiration for him.”
When he was asked if Juventus should be considered as the favourites for the Champions League, Bonucci did not shy away and said that the addition of Ronaldo has brought so much confidence to the team.
The Italian defender said “If someone like Cristiano arrives at the club, then inevitably you will improve. Our clear ambition is to win the Champions League this season and that’s something we don’t hide from.”
The first leg against Atletico Madrid will take place at Wanda Metropolitano on February 20th and the second leg will take three weeks later on March 13th in Turin.
