Cristiano Ronaldo is accustomed to setting records, but one entry in the history books has been snatched away from the former Real Madrid superstar.
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Portuguese hit 11 knockout goals in 2017
Matched by Falcao and Benzema
Olympiacos forward has raised that bar
Getty
WHAT HAPPENED?
Back in 2017, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner helped the Blancos to Champions League glory. He was a talismanic presence for the Liga giants as they swept to continental success, with 11 goals recorded across the knockout stages of elite European competition.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
That haul saw Ronaldo match the efforts of ex-Porto frontman Radamel Falcao from 2011. Said achievement was then emulated by Karim Benzema in 2022 as he fired Real to another Champions League crown – and himself to a prestigious Ballon d’Or.
DID YOU KNOW?
Ronaldo and Co are, however, no longer the proud holders of a shared record when it comes to prolific exploits at the business end of UEFA competition. Ayoub El Kaabi has raised that bar of individual brilliance, with the Morocco international hitting 12 knockout goals while inspiring Olympiacos to Europa Conference League glory in 2024.
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