Cristiano Ronaldo 's night went from bad to worse on Thursday when Real Sociedad 's mascot mocked his iconic celebration after Manchester United failed to top their Europa League group.
The Red Devils beat the Spanish side 1-0 on the final matchday, but it wasn't enough to secure safe passage to the last 16. United needed to claim victory by two or more goals in San Sebastian, so they'll have to take part in a play-off round next February against a team relegated from the Champions League.
Ronaldo may've provided an assist for young Red Devils star Alejandro Garnacho to score their only goal, but it was still a pitiful night for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. As he trudged off the pitch following a frustrating 90 minutes, Real Sociedad celebrated going through as group winners and their mascot, Txurdin, lead the way.
Entertaining the home crowd at the Reale Arena post-match, Txurdin copied Ronaldo's 'siu' celebration, which he made famous during his nine-year stint at Real Madrid. Real Sociedad supporters had endured the Portuguese megastar scoring a whopping 15 goals in just nine games against their side while in Spain, so they weren't going to miss the opportunity to enjoy some revenge.
Fans were loving their mascot's antics, while Ronaldo was left to lament a disappointing but not disheartening result for United. "We move on and we keep going after our goals this season," the 37-year-old posted on Instagram. "Thanks to our supporters that never give up on us!"
Erik ten Hag 's team could face the likes of Barcelona and Juventus in February, adding to their hectic schedule this term, which is split in two by the winter World Cup. The Red Devils boss isn't complaining, though, telling club media : "We definitely have two extra games to cover in this hard season.
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"We have a lot of games, that's clear, but also it's an opportunity for this squad to develop and to get into the process. Players like to play matches, rather than training, so, in that matter, it is also an advantage."
Ten Hag will lead his side out at Aston Villa on Sunday, looking to make it four successive victories as well as clean sheets. Last conceding from open play nearly a month ago, the United manager is delighted with his team's defensive work, even highlighting Ronaldo's contribution.
"We defend with 11, starting with Cristiano up front," Ten Hag added ahead of Sunday's trip to Villa Park. "So we are hard to beat as a team. I think that's a compliment but it's also that process we have to keep going, that makes it hard to beat us because everyone is convinced of that plan, everyone is disciplined in that plan. When we play with the desire and passion, we are hard to beat and that makes us, in this moment, successful."
