Liverpool legend Sadio Mane pays tribute to 'great champion' Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo was at the heart of the Euro 2024 drama on Monday night, missing an extra-time penalty before slotting the first spot-kick in the shootout against Slovenia. 

Portugal struggled to create meaningful chances across 120 minutes against the Slovenians during the European Championship last-16 tie in Frankfurt with Liverpool’s Diogo Jota instigating their best opportunity right at the end of the first half of extra time. 

The Reds’ striker dribbled his way through the Slovenia backline before being fouled by Vanja Drkušić inside the area. 

Ronaldo took control, aiming for his first goal at this European Championship, but his penalty was repelled by a brilliant Jan Oblak save. 

The Real Madrid legend broke down crying during half-time in extra time as the game’s fate slipped from his grasp, and had to be consoled by his Portuguese teammates before restarting play for the last 15 minutes. 

However, Ronaldo turned the tide in the shootout, beating Oblak from the spot before Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva sealed a 3-0 win on penalties. 

Diogo Costa, the Porto goalkeeper, was the hero; he denied Benjamin Sesko a gilt-edged chance at the death in extra time before saving three penalties in the shootout. 

Portugal live to fight another day thanks to their shootout victory and plenty of the paudits should also go to Jota for making things happen. 

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Also watching the game was Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr teammate and Liverpool legend Sadio Mane. He posted a warm tribute to Ronaldo on social media as he was overcome with emotion after missing the penalty. 

“You remain a great champion,” said the Senegalese, before adding a love heart emoji to his post. 

Ronaldo and Mane have played 41 matches together since the former Liverpool star’s move to Saudi Arabia last summer. 

The 32-year-old joined Al-Nassr after a poor season at Bayern Munich and has been tipped to move on again during this transfer window.