Memorable moments: Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick against Wolfsburg single-handedly averted the threat of relegation

Cristiano Ronaldo has had several great moments in the Champions League. One of them includes a hat-trick in the Wolfsburg net in the quarter-finals. He is special because Real Madrid lost the first leg 0-2.

The 2015/16 season has not started well at all for Real Madrid. The new coach Rafael Benítez has failed to put his face on the team, has not won the popularity of the fans and, what is worse, the respect of the players.

Disagreements between key players and the coach came to light, with Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly unhappy with Benitez. Thus, in January 2016, after disappointing results, the Spanish strategist was sacked.

Club icon Zinedine Zidane came on the bench and the furore began. Three Champions League titles in a row, plus La Liga, three Club World Cups and another Super Cup. But none of that might have happened if it wasn’t for Ronaldo’s hat-trick against Wolfsburg.

The Champions League drew Real Madrid in the quarter-finals against Wolfsburg. A relatively easy draw and a comfortable route to the semi-finals, one would like to say. But it certainly wasn’t.

Los Blancos did not make it at all in their first game in Germany and lost 0:2. They had to score three goals at the Santiago Bernabéu to advance, and Ronaldo took the blame.

The Santiago Bernabéu was buzzing at the time, with fans expecting a big night. And it came very soon. As early as the 15th minute, Carvajal’s centre was knocked to the back post, where Ronaldo easily headed it into the net.

Just two minutes later, Kroos sent a corner into the box, and Ronaldo pounced on it at the front post to level the score at 2-2 in the 17th minute.

However, the rocket start was followed by a small setback. Real pressed for a long time, but the winning goal would not come. In the 77th minute, Modric was fouled just outside the penalty area and none other than the Portuguese phenomenon got to the ball.

He found a gap in the wall, shot the ball through and it nestled right against the bar. It sent not only the whole Bernabéu into euphoria, but also Real Madrid into the Champions League semi-finals. The phenomenal performance marked his fifth hat-trick in the elite competition.

Source: Real Madrid, Youtube