This has been a season of big deficits in the UEFA Champions League, some accompanied by heroic comeback attempts and one -- hello, Barca -- historic and completed comeback.
That’s what Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid need now that they’ve lost the latest Madrid Derby in lopsided fashion. A trio of goals from Cristiano Ronaldo sent Atleti back across town down 3-0 to Real Madrid.
[ PL PLAYBACK: Saluting shrewd Spurs ]
Ronaldo upped his career UCL goal total to 103, starting with a 10th minute header. He added a screamer in the 73rd minute and a calm finish before the final whistle to give Real its three-goal advantage.
With all respect to Atleti, this one’s over. Real is 90 minutes away from its record 15th UCL Final, one which will put Gareth Bale at home in Wales and the club in position to increase its record haul to 12.
Ronaldo scored just 2 goals in this season's #UCL group stage.
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 2, 2017
He has EIGHT in his last three games. https://t.co/0w1FYUmV7d