It was Ronaldo’s 100th league start, and he celebrated by scoring the only goal of the game.
Manchester United managed to secure their 5th successive league victory; 4 out of the games came in a 1-0 victory. In fact, they could count themselves lucky to claim all 3 points… Birmingham gave them a stern test. It could have ended stalemate if Franck Queudrue didn’t make the mistake that allowed Ronaldo to score his first league goal of the campaign in 51st minute.
In fact it was Birmingham that controlled the match, up until Ronaldo’s goal; Gary McSheffrey and Olivier Kapo had been superb in running the match. However, Birmingham seemed to be facing the same problem with United at the moment… lacking the cutting edge to convert chances into goals.
United’s defence had been shaggy for the first 45 minutes; Birmingham could have scored twice if their strikers could have just a bit more composure… but then, perhaps luck was on United’s side.
Ronaldo’s goal came from a long ball from Rio Ferdinand. Queudrue could have dealt with it easily, but somehow misjudge the whole situation, and allowed Ronaldo to take the ball and scored.
The remainder of the game was rather boring, as both sides didn’t have much shot on goals.
Manchester United claim all 3 points in a controversial match at Old Trafford. Carlos Tevez opens his United account with a late first half header, while Louis Saha scored United’s 2nd from penalty.
The most controversial moment on the game was on the 32nd minute when Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel was sent off with a straight red card for his challenge on Patrice Evra. Replay shows that the referee has made a serious mistake as it was a 50-50 challenge… even a yellow would seem harsh, let alone a red.
The game was pretty even until the red card incident, with United controlling the game then after.
Chelsea fans might feel further injustice as Tevez scored the goal late into first half injury time… probably in the 48th minute while only 2 minutes of injury time should be played. Take nothing away from the goal though… it’s a lovely cross from Ryan Giggs, and a good finish from Tevez.
Chelsea sit tight in their own half in the beginning of the 2nd half, hoping to catch United off guard and snatch a draw. United didn’t show much urgency as they were leading the match… it probably exposed United’s weakness again of failing to penetrate the defends when the opponents are going for an all out defense.
Both side didn’t have much chances in the 2nd half. Chelsea made a few tactical changes, but fatigue was beginning to take their toll… it was obvious that they couldn’t cope with the fresh legs of Louis Saha, who was brought in at the 79th minute. Saha took advantage of Chelsea’s tiredness, and won a penalty in late of the game, which he converted himself.
Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo is reported to be dating Portuguese beauty Luciana Abreu – a Eurovision Song Contestant singer and TV star.
Blonde Luciana auditioned for Idolos, the Portugese version of Pop Idol, in 2004 but didn’t make it to the final.
A year later the 22-year-old performed for Eurovision as half of duo 2B but again failed to make her mark.
Her big break in showbiz came when she won the lead role in TV show Floribella, playing a poor girl who falls in love with a rich guy.
Cristiano, 22, has remained tight-lipped about his new relationship - despite Luciana being spotted sitting with his sister Katia at a football match in Lisbon.
To catch a glimpse of Luciana, see her perform at the 2005 Eurovision Contest…
Cristiano Ronaldo is facing a police probe after claims that the Manchester United star stamped on an Everton supporter during his side’s win at Goodison Park.
Merseyside Police are speaking to witnesses and studying closed circuit television footage to determine if Carl Lloyd’s allegation that the Portugal star stamped on him during United 1-0 victory last Saturday is true.
Lloyd, a 34-year-old joiner, said he needed hospital treatment following the incident with Ronaldo. Lloyd had been trying to retrieve the ball when it went out of play near where he was sitting.
“I’ve been in excruciating pain. I don’t know if I’ll work again any time soon,” he told the Daily Post.
“I couldn’t believe what happened. All I was doing was trying to retrieve the ball.”
A spokesman for Merseyside Police confirmed Mr Lloyd had made an official complaint and the investigation is ongoing.
Cristiano Ronaldo returned in red to haunt former club Sporting Lisbon and ensure Manchester United made a winning start to their latest Champions League quest with a 1-0 victory.
Ronaldo spent seven years wearing Sporting green before he left for Old Trafford in 2003 with a £12.2million price tag and became a megastar.
But the brilliant Portugal winger had warned there would be no old pals act at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, the ground on which he first came to Sir Alex Ferguson’s attention in a friendly meeting between the teams four years ago.
And Ronaldo matched his words with deeds as he arrived with perfect timing to finish off Wes Brown’s low cross and provide the Red Devils with only their third Champions League away win in 15 encounters.
Having refused to state yesterday whether he would celebrate any goal, Ronaldo restricted himself to a low, double-fisted salute before an almost apologetic bow to the home supporters, who offered the winger a standing ovation when he was replaced by Carlos Tevez four minutes from time.
Ronaldo is back into English football action after suspended for 3 matches. Ronaldo’s first come-back match was an EPL match against Everton, which the Red Devils claimed victory thanks to a late goal from Nemanja Vidic.
Ronaldo’s performance was probably one of those that could be easily forgotten by his fans. He was easily dispossessed a few times, his crosses was not working and he got booked for diving (which was rather harsh)… and I couldn’t remember him firing a single shot on target.
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed what attracts him to a woman - days after romping with five hookers.
The Man United star said: “It is what is inside a beautiful woman that’s important, although she must be beautiful, like Angelina Jolie.
“I appreciate funny, kind, friendly women with good conversation. Laughing is one of my favourite pastimes.”
The pin-up Portugal winger - who recently split from model Gemma Atkinson - told Hello mag: “I’m private about the girls I date. I do have my romantic moments but I am sensible.”
The Sun revealed on September 1 how Ronaldo, 22 - who earns £135,000 a week - and teammates paid £3,000 for call-girls at his Manchester house.