UEFA Champions League: Key takeaways from first set of quarters
Cristiano Ronaldo smashed a career 125th UEFA Champions League goal to give Juventus a slight advantage in Amsterdam against Ajax. The match ended at 1-1 with Juventus gaining a crucial away goal. In the other encounter, Barcelona beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford. Luis Suarez's header saw Luke Shaw score an own goal. Here are the key takeaways.
United show intent but there were no presentable efforts
Manchester United started off poorly, but gained momentum as the match progressed. They pressed higher and showed spirit. But the lack of finesse in the final third cost the team. The hosts did not manage a single shot on target. Marcus Rashford and Diago Dalot had presentable chances, but they wasted them. The positive factor came from mid-field as the players worked tirelessly.
Barca nullify United despite not being at their best
Barcelona weren't at their best, but the quality was telling. The mid-field duo of Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busqets showed why simple football is so effective. Gerard Pique was a rock at the back. Barca needed one moment of fine brilliance to get a superb goal. Lionel Messi's sublime assist did the trick. Barca had to grind and in the end they nullified United.
A frantic game in Amsterdam greeted fans
Ajax and Juventus played out a fascinating 1-1 draw and there were some fine moments. The hosts rallied on to keep themselves in the game. David Neres' curling effort from 15 yards gave Ajax the perfect response after going down. The frantic game saw both teams get opportunities in the end. Jurgen Ekkelenkamp's shot was saved and Douglas Costa hit the post for Juve.
Ronaldo's prowess in big matches a major boost
Ronaldo continued from where he left off against Atletico Madrid. After scoring a hat-trick to see Juve through, he scored a superb header from the run of play this time. Ronaldo's effort has kept Juve in the tie and they will be confident to get the job done in Turin. The Portuguese showed once again why he is a big match player.
