A former Liverpool favourite is putting Cristiano Ronaldo's record for the most appearances in European competitions under pressure.
Ronaldo played 197 times in Europe for the likes of Sporting Lisbon, Man United, Real Madrid and Juventus between 2002 and 2022, before his acrimonious departure from Old Trafford two years ago.
During his illustrious run on the continent, Ronaldo edged past the likes of Iker Casillas, Paolo Maldini and Xavi in the top five, with his arch-rival Lionel Messi sixth on the list with 167 appearances.
However, former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has crept up to second this season and is now just five appearances behind Ronaldo after playing his 192nd game in Europe when he lined up for Villarreal on Thursday night.
Reina, now 41, began his professional career in 1999 with Barcelona and has featured for the Catalan giants, Liverpool, Napoli, AC Milan, Lazio and Villarreal in Europe, while he has also represented Bayern Munich and Aston Villa during his career.
The Spaniard rejoined The Yellow Submarine - who he originally moved to Liverpool from in 2005 - two years ago and he has racked up 43 appearances for the club in his second spell.
Despite losing his role as first choice in LaLiga, Reina remains their European No 1 and he has played in all seven of Villarreal's Europa League matches so far this season.
And, during their last-16 first leg clash away at Marseille on Thursday night, Reina totted up his 192nd appearance, although it ended badly following a 4-0 defeat.
Out of Reina's 192 games, 88 of these have come in the Champions League, 52 in the Europa League, 30 in the old UEFA Cup, 15 in the similarly now-defunct Intertoto Cup and seven in the Europa Conference League.
Reina has enjoyed relative success in Europe, winning the UEFA Super Cup with Liverpool in 2005, while he won back-to-back Intertoto Cups with Villarreal in 2003 and 2004.
However, he was part of the Reds side who lost 2-1 to AC Milan in the 2006-07 Champions League final.
Given Villarreal's disastrous first leg showing in France last night, it seems as if Reina will have to continue into next season to beat Ronaldo's record, although he should at least rack up his 193rd European outing in the second leg next Thursday.
During the 4-0 defeat by Marseille, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice, while Jordan Veretout also netted and Yerson Mosquera suffered the ignominy of scoring an own goal, before former Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno was sent off late on.
Reina, who also won 36 caps for Spain, has racked up 940 senior appearances in a club career that has now spanned 25 years.
Hisabipstz
1
african movie
malablata
1
Lose first leg 4-0 to Marseille and Villarreal 11th in Laliga, with Reina already 41yrs, where will he play the remaining four European games to match Cr7.......be logical.....
jidemnrtz
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When we talk of Europe, it’s only Champions League, Europa is not included, so correct yourself and don’t confuse people, Mr Autty. You wrote this piece just because of Ronaldo. Reina’s participation in Europa ended with that 4-0 whipping by Marsielle.
You’re funny and brainless,just shut up please 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Yiydeklpru
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don't talk about Thursday night football pliz
Fouclnoz
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When we talk of Europe, it’s only Champions League, Europa is not included, so correct yourself and don’t confuse people, Mr Autty. You wrote this piece just because of Ronaldo. Reina’s participation in Europa ended with that 4-0 whipping by Marsielle.
Just shush u know better than the writer😂😂😂penaldo Europa league appearances is included if not he won’t be the most appearances so just shut up
Nigeria8632287
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When we talk of Europe, it’s only Champions League, Europa is not included, so correct yourself and don’t confuse people, Mr Autty. You wrote this piece just because of Ronaldo. Reina’s participation in Europa ended with that 4-0 whipping by Marsielle.
Medbekrtu
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Wishing you all the best luck in your goalkeeping career and hope you will be the greatest goalkeeper in the World soon.
Mihaclopst
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A great player will once Play in English premier league and laliga respectively not these other stuff
cuwbdmnps
1
Wonderful career. @ Liverpool he made some funny mistakes, like when catching the balloon instead of the ball that match I can not forget so funny 🤣😂😂.
Against Sunderland and the shot was for Darren Bent
Emma0007
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Wonderful career. @ Liverpool he made some funny mistakes, like when catching the balloon instead of the ball that match I can not forget so funny 🤣😂😂.