Sadio Mane fights for Cristiano Ronaldo as superstar team-mate shows his true colours

Sadio Mane has thrown his support behind club team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese superstar missed a crucial penalty during Portugal's Euro 2024 round of 16 clash with Slovenia.

Despite his error, Ronaldo's teammates rallied round their captain and went on to win the match in a dramatic penalty shootout. Former Liverpool star Mane, who linked up with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr last year, said: "You remain a great champion". Ronaldo cut an emotional figure at half-time in extra-time after seeing his penalty saved by Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Despite his obvious disappointment, the forward recovered to score in the penalty shootout as Portugal sealed their place in the quarter-finals.

Ronaldo admitted to struggling with the pressure, stating: "Even the strongest people have their [bad] days. I was at rock bottom when the team needed me the most,". However, the veteran forward was elated to have helped his nation progress in the tournament, adding; "Sadness at the start is joy at the end. That's what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments. I feel sad and happy at the same time. But the important thing is to enjoy it. The team did an extraordinary job. We fought right to the end and I think we deserved it because we had more authority."

Ronaldo will be hoping to add to his solitary international honour, the European Championships he won with Portugal back in 2016. Portugal's talismanic forward Ronaldo was surprisingly upstaged by goalkeeper Diogo Costa during their Euro 2024 qualifier win against Slovenia. The Porto No1 saved all three Slovenian penalties he faced to secure a convincing victory for his nation.

In a heartfelt admission, Costa said: "We all know that Cristiano is the hardest worker. I understand how frustrated he is because he devotes all his time to this. It's a pleasure and an honour to be on the same team as him. We're a family, I really think this. I focus on making the best of these chances and I wanted to help the team. This is the most important thing. This is probably the best game of my life."

Ronaldo, famed for his big-game mentality, especially when it comes to penalties, including the winner in the Champions League final back in 2016, was unable to find the back of the net from 12 yards. Fortunately for him, his miss didn't cost Portugal.