CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Pirlo defends Ronaldo after failing to rescue Juventus again

Football - Champions League - Round of 16 Second Leg - Juventus v FC Porto - Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy - March 9, 2021. Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo reacts. [REUTERS/Massimo Pinca]

Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo has defended five-time Champions League winner Cristiano Ronaldo after failing to inspire a comeback against a spirited Porto on Tuesday night.

Aside from his brilliant assist for Federico Chiesa's first goal, Ronaldo was kept quiet by his former teammate Pepe and other Porto defenders.

"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.

"Federico scored twice and played a great much. 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,” said Pirlo.

Football - Champions League - Round of 16 Second Leg - Juventus v FC Porto - Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy - March 9, 2021. Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo looks dejected after FC Porto's Sergio Oliveira scored their second goal. [REUTERS/Massimo Pinca]

The Bionconeri 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 before his blockbuster signing.

Ten-man Porto upset Juveto reach the Champions League quarter-finals on away goals after a 4-4 aggregate draw despite losing 3-2.

Sergio Oliveira's extra-time free-kick for Porto's second goal proved decisive for the visitors.

Porto dominated the first half and took the lead in the 19th minute with Oliveira's penalty taking them into the break in front as they looked comfortable at the Juventus Stadium.

OPTA FACTS:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo has been directly involved in 82 goals in his last 78 UEFA Champions League knockout appearances (67 goals, 15 assists).

2. FC Porto progressed in a Champions League knockout tie after winning the first leg for the first time since the 2003-04 quarter-final vs Lyon.

3. There were just 104 seconds between Sérgio Oliveira’s free-kick goal and Adrien Rabiot’s goal for Juventus to make it 3-2.

4. Federico Chiesa is the first Italian player to score 2+ goals in a UEFA Champions League knockout stage game with Juventus since Filippo Inzaghi, in April 1999 against Manchester United.