The controversial red card against Manchester United's Nani became the biggest story to come out of the heavyweight battle between United and Real Madrid, but the other major was the return and conquest of Cristiano Ronaldo over his former team.
Prior to the match, Ronaldo had stated that he was emotional about returning to the Old Trafford the place that saw him rise to stardom. He also expected a good reception from the fans. During the pregame announcements he received a warm welcome from the Trafford faithful, but during the game he was booed incessantly.
"The atmosphere overwhelmed me for the first time in my career. I didn't feel comfortable. There were too many feelings, the ovation at the start of the match," said Ronaldo about his initial feelings at his old home during an interview with Portugal's TVI network.
"I'm happy we went through, but I feel sorry for them, because they deserved a little more," he added, "This was my home for six years. I'll never forget that. I have to thank the Manchester United fans. They left me feeling very happy,"
Ronaldo wound up scoring the deciding goal when he tapped in a low Gonzalo Higuain cross. As he promised in prior interviews he did not applaud the goal. "I didn't [applaud] out of respect, because of the support the people gave me all those years" Ronaldo stated. "They're feelings that you never forget."
Regarding the controversial call, Ronaldo refused to make any formal comments. "I can't make a judgment. It was the referee's decision, and we have to respect it," he noted. "Sometimes they go our way, and other times they don't."
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