Cristiano Ronaldo Makes History In Champions League; Scores Late Goal As Man United Beat Villarreal For The First Time

Cristiano Ronaldo is now the all-time record holder for most Champions League appearances in the history of the competition.

Ronaldo formed part of Man United’s starting lineup as the Red Devils battled Villarreal in their second Group F encounter on Wednesday, September 29.

The appearance was the forward’s 178th in the competition, putting him one ahead of former Real Madrid teammate, Iker Casillas in the all-time list.

Ronaldo equalled Casillas’s record when he started in United’s group stage opener against Young Boys.

Ladies and gentlemen: 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲 🌟

🐐 @Cristiano #MUFC | #UCL pic.twitter.com/iCX9qNsRBG

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 29, 2021

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner found the back of the net against the Swiss side to equal another record – joining rival Lionel Messi as the only two players who have scored 36 different clubs in the Champions League.

While the Red Devils lost that clash against Young Boys, he ensured his record-breaking appearance against Villarreal was more memorable as he scored a dramatic late winner to hand his three crucial points.

Ronaldo is no stranger to setting Champions League records as he already boasts of several others.

🇵🇹 Five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League:

⚽️ Most goals in history (136)
👕 Most appearances (178)
😮 Most goals in a season (17)
🤯 Most goals in knockout stages (67)
🔥 Only player to score in 11 straight games
🏆 Only player to score in 3 finals#UCL pic.twitter.com/SyRXiouyhH

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 29, 2021

Key among them include him being the tournament’s all-time top scorer with 136 goals.

The tally puts him 15 goals ahead of rival Messi who has 121 to his name having found the back of the net for Paris Saint-Germain against Man City on Tuesday.

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