Raphael Varane has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to prove the difference when Manchester United host Atletico Madrid tonight in the Champions League.
The last-16 tie is finally poised heading into the second leg at Old Trafford, following the 1-1 draw at the Wanda Metropolitano three weeks ago.
Diego Simeone’s side will be fearing a Ronaldo onslaught following the 37-year-old’s tremendous hat-trick against Tottenham on Saturday.
The Portuguese great became the leading goalscorer in men’s professional football with his treble against Antonio Conte’s Spurs.
But despite breaking yet another record and scoring his 59th career hat-trick, his first at United for 14 years, Ronaldo’s attentions will be focused on grabbing the headlines in the competition he has dominated.
United’s number seven is the all-time top goalscorer in the Champions League with 141 goals to his name and he has lifted the trophy aloft on five occasions.
Four of those wins came alongside Varane during their trophy-laden time together at Real Madrid and the Frenchman believes that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is ready to come up with the goods yet again.
There is arguably no player in the history of football who has produced more clutch moments than Ronaldo, and Varane believes his iconic teammate relishes performing in the big pressure moments.
Speaking via the club’s website, the World Cup winner said: “I think he’s a very great player and I think he feels different when the pressure is higher.
“When it’s a big moment, he can feel – I don’t know if it’s more motivation or something different, but we know in special moments he’s always ready.
“He will be very important for us.”
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