Cristiano Ronaldo was magnanimous in victory on Tuesday night, speaking highly of Barcelona's Lionel Messi afterwards.
The Portuguese scored two penalties at the Camp Nou to lead Juventus to a 3-0 win and he played down his apparent rivalry with the Argentine No.10, whom he embraced warmly during the game.
"I've always had a very cordial relationship with Messi," Cristiano told Movistar. "I don't see him as a rival.
"Each of us has always looked for the best for their team."
Cristiano Ronaldo was back in Spain, though it's not his first time returning there since leaving Real Madrid, having already faced both Valencia and Atletico Madrid as a Juventus player.
"It's always nice to be back in Spain and in Catalonia," Ronaldo said. "It's always difficult to play at the Camp Nou against one of the best teams I've ever faced.
"Today we were a team of champions. We were strong and a united family.
"Playing like this, we have nothing to fear this season."
Juventus' 3-0 win was enough to see them top the group, having lost 2-0 in Turin, and the Portuguese believes they are deserving group winners.
"If you score three goals at the Camp Nou then there's no doubt that you deserve to finish first," Cristiano added.
"Although Barcelona aren't doing well, this win gives us a big morale boost."
benyinson
705
juve kept their promise by bringing the real goat to camp nou
Ziedmrst
490
When Barcelona defence saw Ronaldo, they posed for a quickly ππ€£
KingJerryTheGreat
456
Whole world :Barcelona haven't lost a home game at Camp Nou since 2013π± Ronaldo: Say no more....ππ
Gunners4everβ€
377
Messi and Ronaldo themselves respect each other so why can't we (the fans) do likewise?
MzyaS
106
CR7 and Messi always respect each other it's some of their toxic fans who creates toxicity it's time to enjoy the last dance as they are going to retired in few years
Buylu01
80
I have always admired Ronaldo's ambition and passion of being a winner than Messi. Ronaldo always tried his best to produce result either as an individual or as a team. I think he likes winning more than Messi and he is always hungry for more. Kudos to the two GOATS alive βπΌππΌ
BillyDedon
20
Poor Barcelona with a coach like Koeman and defenders like Lenglet, Alba and Mingueza you are already 2-0 coming to the game.
Ohms141
19
This shows u people actually learn from your mistakes.... Well played Juve
Wisconsin
8
juve kept their promise by bringing the real goat to camp nou
The goat didn't make any impact only penalties and Barca defensive cause this but with respect Leo entertain us and show it good to be watching him even if there's no goal but it teach you to know is on the pitch that make different on ball that's Leo π₯π₯π₯