Soc: Ronaldo the real deal

AAP Sports News (Australia), April, 2003

00-00-0000 Soc: Ronaldo the real deal

By Pirate Irwin

PARIS, April 23 AFP - Brazilian World Cup hero Ronaldo turned boos into cheers today as his hat-trick ensured Real Madrid edged into the Champions League semifinals despite a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Manchester United in a pulsating soccer match at Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old had exited to boos from Real fans a fortnight ago during the first leg.

But a different welcome awaits him on his return to Madrid as his goals led the nine-time winners to triumph 6-5 on aggregate.

The press that awaits United manager Sir Alex Ferguson however, could well have a different hue after he waited more than an hour to introduce talismanic England skipper David Beckham. ...

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