Ronaldo beats his Lisbon demons

26/09/2006 22:11, Report by Steve Bartram



Cristiano Ronaldo exorcised some personal demons with his display against Benfica on Tuesday night.

Last time the ex-Sporting Lisbon winger visited the Estadio Da Luz - in United's embarrassing defeat last December - he was taunted mercilessly by the home fans, and reacted with an angry gesture which earned a one-game ban.

This time round the heckling remained, but Ronaldo's answer was to be one of United's liveliest threats and their most consistent outlet as they played on the counter attack.

"He was fantastic," said Sir Alex Ferguson. "He has been sensational, the boy.

"He's maturing, he's getting better all the time and, at 21 years of age, the world's in front of him."

Ronaldo set up Louis Saha for the only goal in Lisbon, a win which was United's first Champions League triumph away from home for almost three years.

That was a 1-0 triumph over Panathinaikos through a Diego Forlan goal, and the Boss admitted he was relieved to end the unwanted run.

"It's been a long time for a club our size," he admitted. "We've had some changes over the years since, but I hope this team stays together and grows together."

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