‘Even Cristiano can have a bad game’

Cristiano Ronaldo drew a blank as Juventus bowed out of the Champions League on Tuesday.

Juve have not advanced past the quarter-finals since five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo arrived from Real Madrid in 2018, having finished runners-up in two of the previous four seasons prior to his blockbuster signing.

Aside from his assist for Chiesa's first goal, Ronaldo was largely subdued against Porto, but Pirlo defended the five-time Champions League winner.

"When Ronaldo plays in Champions League usually is like your team begin the game one goal ahead of your opponent. But it can happen even to an extraordinary player like him not to be able to score," Pirlo said.

"Federico scored twice and played a great match. Also, a champion like him [Cristiano] can have a bad game. He fought a lot tonight but unfortunately he didn't lead us to go through the next stage this time."

Since arriving in Turin, Ronaldo's Juve has been knocked out by Ajax, Lyon and now Porto for the past three season.

Cristiano faced former Real Madrid teammate in Pepe in the tough encounter. The Portugal defender was still reeling from the job they did with ten men.

"The work of the whole team was important to go through in a manner that was fully deserved," said veteran Porto defender Pepe.

"It's hard to explain by words the way we managed to react (playing with 10 men). Today we showed lots of character: the players were focused and that made it easy for us."