Cristiano Ronaldo taunts Atletico Madrid in mixed zone despite Juventus defeat

Cristiano Ronaldo gestures to Atletico Madrid fans during their Champions League clash at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium on Wednesday [Courtesy]

Cristiano Ronaldo endured a nightmare return to Madrid on Wednesday night, as Juventus’ Champions League dream was left in tatters.

Atletico Madrid took charge of their last 16 display with a dominant second-half performance at the Wanda Metropolitano, claiming a 2-0 success thanks to late goals from Uruguayan defenders Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin.

That gave Diego Simeone’s men one foot in the quarter-finals, with Ronaldo experiencing a horrible night in the Spanish capital.

After a fierce early effort from 30 yards was brilliantly saved by Jan Oblak, the Portuguese barely had a kick, as he was whistled and booed by the baying Atleti masses.

The 34-year-old came in for some rough treatment, notably from Godin, throughout.

Cristiano Ronaldo gestures towards the press [Courtesy]

And salt was rubbed into the wounds as the Atleti captain’s goal - his side’s second - actually deflected into the net off of the ex-Real Madrid man.

Ronaldo, whom Juve splashed some £105mllion last summer as they seek a first European Cup since 1996, would also miss a late chance to get an away goal, heading wide from close range.

All of which combined, you would think, would see the Portuguese wanting to leave the stadium quietly post-game.

Instead, Ronaldo couldn’t resist taking a final shot at the Atletico supporters who had jeered him throughout the evening.

I've won five Champions Leagues - Ronaldo [Courtesy]

Having responded to fans during the game by showing five fingers - to signify his five Champions League titles - he reiterated the point in the mixed zone as he left.

Initially asked about the result, Ronaldo responded: "This is football".

But pushed further, Ronaldo responded: "I have five Champions Leagues. You [Atletico] have zero.”

Atleti have, of course, suffered defeat in two finals in the last five seasons - both times falling to Ronaldo's former club.

Asked about Atletico’s chances of finishing the job in Turin, Ronaldo responded: "We will see in the second leg”.

Regardless, in Ronaldo's running feud with the Real president, the result on the other side of Madrid makes it advantage Florentino Perez.