MADRID, (Reuters) – Cristiano Ronaldo’s fifth Champions League hat-trick inspired Real Madrid to a 3-0 comeback victory over VfL Wolfsburg yesterday that clinched a place in the semi-finals for a sixth successive season.
The prolific Portuguese got the 10-times European champions, 2-0 down from the first leg, off to a perfect start by tapping in Daniel Carvajal’s cross after 16 minutes and heading a second goal less than a minute later from Toni Kroos’ corner.
Ronaldo capped a 3-2 win on aggregate when he curled in a free kick after 77 minutes, his 16th goal in this season’s competition taking him within touching distance of his record of 17 in 2013-14.
He also equalled Barcelona rival Lionel Messi’s record of five Champions League trebles as he took his goal tally in all competitions this season to 46.
“It’s a day for celebration,” said Real coach Zinedine Zidane. “We won with character, fight and effort and I’m very proud of the players.
“The sensation is of a job well done because it wasn’t easy. It was a special night…I’m very happy with the players because they did a phenomenal job.”
Zidane’s only change from the first leg was to replace the much-criticised Danilo at right back with Carvajal.
Opposite number Dieter Hecking kept the same lineup that served him so well at the Wolfsburg Arena.
