Andrea Pirlo: Ronaldo was really motivated to face eternal rival

Juventus head coach Andrea Pirlo said that after his brace had inspired a 3-0 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo was really motivated to face “eternal rival” Lionel Messi.

Andrea Pirlo addressed Tuesday’s two-goal success by Cristiano Ronaldo against Lionel Messi’s Barcelona.

“Ronaldo was very motivated to put in a good performance here against his eternal rival, so when you’re that motivated, it becomes simple,” Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia while Ronaldo downplayed his rivalry with Messi post-match.

“There are many games in a season and it’s easier to get fired up for fixtures like this, but we mustn’t lose sight of the real target, which is Serie A, so we have to be this concentrated and committed there too.”