Cristiano Ronaldo will be featuring in his sixth Champions League final when Real Madrid face Liverpool in Kiev on Saturday night.
For all his superb displays season after season in the European tournament, he’s been a mixed bag in the finals.
However, such is his quality, that he invariably ends up finding the back of the net at some point regardless.
Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea AET (United won 6-5 on penalties) – 2008
This was the season that won Ronaldo his first Ballon d’Or and having scored seven goals en route to the final against Chelsea, he was in the spotlight.
He gave his side the lead in the 26th minute as he towered over makeshift right-back Michael Essien at the far post to head in Wes Brown’s cross (Trent Alexander-Arnold, you’ve been warned).
He caused the Ghanaian plenty problems and the Portuguese was involved again later in the first half, crossing for Carlos Tevez whose effort was saved.
Ronaldo had his penalty saved during the shootout which United eventually won with Edwin van der Sar denying Nicolas Anelka.
Rating – 6/10
Ronaldo broke the deadlock.
Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United – 2009
United were looking to become the first side to defend the Champions League trophy and the final against Barcelona was built around the battle between Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo started up front on his own and isolated throughout with United barely able to enjoy any sort of possession. Samuel Eto’o gave Barca the lead in the 10th minute while Messi struck in the second half to secure a 2-0 win.
Ronaldo’s biggest moment in the game was a foul on Carles Puyol that earned him a booking.
Rating – 3
Ronaldo was isolated against Barca
Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid AET – 2014
There were concerns over Ronaldo’s fitness ahead of this final but having scored 16 goals to lead the team to the showpiece event, he recovered in time to make the starting line-up.
Diego Godin gave Atletico Madrid the lead but Sergio Ramos equalised 90 seconds from time.
Gareth Bale’s header gave Madrid the lead in extra-time before Ronaldo assisted Marcelo for their third.
Despite not being at his best on the night, the Portuguese then scored from the spot to wrap up a 4-1 win and ‘La Decima’.
Rating – 6
Ronaldo put the icing on the cake.
Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid AET (Real won 5-3 on penalties) – 2016
The two Madrid rival went head-to-head again in a repeat of the 2014 final.
Again, Ronaldo was kept quiet for the most part and again, it was Ramos who got on the score sheet for Real. A free-kick into the box in the 15th minute was flicked on by Bale and Ramos was able to poke the ball home from the ensuing scramble.
Antoine Griezmann missed a penalty but Yannick Carrasco levelled the tie in the 79th minute. Ronaldo’s moment was to come in the penalty shootout though as his effort proved to be the decisive after Juanfran had missed his attempt.
Rating – 5
Ronaldo scored the winning penalty.
Juventus 1-4 Real Madrid – 2017
Facing the Italian giants in Cardiff, Real Madrid made history by becoming the first team to retain the Champions League title and Ronaldo played a huge role.
Juventus had been the better team in the early exchanges but Ronaldo’s clever interplay with Dani Carvajal and subsequent goal gave Real the advantage.
The Serie A champions equalised through Mario Mandzukic before Casemiro’s strike from range put Madrid ahead on the hour mark. Ronaldo then scored his second of the night three minutes later to make it 3-1.
Marco Asensio wrapped up the victory with a fourth in the final minute.
Rating – 8
Ronaldo starred with a brace.