From the very first whistle, one player stole the spotlight, leaving the audience with a lasting and unexpected impression.
Ronaldo.
His tactical role required him to form the first line of defense as soon as the opposition advanced, applying relentless pressure to win the ball back. He delivered—surpassing even O'Neill and his staff's expectations.
He was like a beast, hungry for the ball. Was this the result of not playing in the past three matches? He looked absolutely possessed.
And when we say beast, we mean it—a true wild beast. He played with feral intensity, pressing with reckless abandon. Just minutes into the game, he earned the match's first yellow card.
City Ground was nearly drowned in jeers.
Frank Clark, Forest's manager, was all too familiar with that sound—and his expression turned grim.
O'Neill called out from the sidelines, reminding Ronaldo to watch his challenges and avoid a second booking.
