CRISTIANO RONALDO absolutely humiliated Chris Smalling with a phenomenal bit of skill as Juventus defeated Roma ten days ago.
Manchester United defender Smalling has thrived in Italy since completing a loan move and even been awarded the captain’s armband.
Smalling must have thought he had Ronaldo under control at this point
But in one swift move the Juve star blitzed past him
But Juve superstar Ronaldo sapped all of that newfound confidence in one split second with a perfectly executed roulette.
And Smalling will certainly be hoping for a better performance tonight, as the two teams lock horns again in the Coppa Italia.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had already scored from the spot in the 10th minute to make it 2-0 following Merih Demiral’s third-minute opener – his first for the club.
But the real eye-catching moment was when the Portuguese “sent Smalling back to Maidstone” in the blink of an eye.
Taking the ball down with his right foot, Ronaldo brings it under control with his back to Smalling.
With a sixth sense, Ronaldo then stops the ball with his right foot and flicks it clear with his left before sprinting to the touchline to put in a cross.
Fans on social media were absolutely loving it.
One said: “Cristiano Ronaldo just ended Chris Smalling’s career.”
Another posted: “Ronaldo is trying to prove that Ole was right to loan Smalling.”
A fellow user wrote: “Cristiano Ronaldo momentarily making Chris Smalling wish he was back in Manchester with Phil.”
Another comment read: “Ronaldo vs Smalling can only end one way.”
One said: “Juve win, Ronaldo scores the winner and terrorises the best CB in Europe (Smalling). Another day at the office.”
And another person posted: “Smalling may never play again!”
Diego Perotti got a consolation goal for the hosts when he scored a penalty in the 68th minute.
The win saw Maurizio Sarri’s side leapfrong Inter to sit top of Serie A on 48 points, two points clear of Antonio Conte’s men.
Arsenal will have been keeping a close on defender Demiral, who has been linked with a move to the Emirates this window.
But he was forced off injured and had to be replaced by Matthijs De Ligt after landing awkwardly in the 19th minute.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
