Having a top footballer pays off.

Why do clubs hire top footballers? So that when it comes time to make a difference on the pitch they will get the job done. Well done. Individually or collectively. They will find space where no one else could and hit the net in most inexplicable ways. There a couple of lucky teams with such footballers out there.

Today, however, Cristiano Ronaldo was the one to take Manchester United qualify to the semi-finals of the Champions League with a single moment of pure football beauty.

Porto had entered the pitch confident after a 2-2 tie back in Manchester on the first leg. Everyone had hopes at Estádio do Dragão and the Portenhos only needed to tie to send Man U back to England and qualify to Champions League’s semi-finals. But football is football and that’s why we love it so much.

With only 6 minutes into the match, Cristiano Ronaldo received a pass from Anderson, about 35 yards out of Helton’s goal, took the shot… and Bob’s your uncle. Manchester 1. Porto 0.

From there on, it was hard for Porto to bring momentum back. With one single individual play, Cristiano Ronaldo managed to put Manchester into the semis and add one more reason to live in cocky land.

Watch Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal. Porto vs. Manchester United.

Related posts:

1. Champions League Summary: Porto and Villarreal out. Manchester and Arsenal on the semis.
2. Champions League Quarter Finals Draw
3. Manchester United crushes Arsenal and moves to the final.
4. Porto kills Man United win. Adebayor does the same for Villarreal.
5. C. Ronaldo takes FIFPro award.