Share this @internewscast.com

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

Martin Dubravka has revealed that he prayed that Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn’t catch him in the face during Portugal’s win over Slovakia.

Ronaldo caught the Slovakia goalkeeper with a late challenge during Friday’ Euro 2024 qualifier.

The pair were team-mates at Manchester United in the first half of last season.

However, the Al-Nassr star is still suspended for Portugal’s game against Luxembourg after accumulating three yellow cards. 

Martin Dubravka revealed that he prayed that Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn't catch him in the face

Martin Dubravka revealed that he prayed that Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn't catch him in the face

Martin Dubravka revealed that he prayed that Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn’t catch him in the face

Dubravka doesn't blame Ronaldo for the late challenge that saw the Portugal star booked

Dubravka doesn't blame Ronaldo for the late challenge that saw the Portugal star booked

Dubravka doesn’t blame Ronaldo for the late challenge that saw the Portugal star booked

When asked by reporters after the game where Ronaldo had caught him, Dubravka said: ‘In the shoulder, the neck and the chest.

‘I just closed my eyes and prayed that he [Ronaldo] wouldn’t hit me in the face as well. When I saw his studs coming at me, I didn’t even look.’

Dubravka stated that he doesn’t blame Ronaldo for the incident and added that such situations are part of the game. 

He said: ‘These are situations when the goalkeeper closes his eyes and tries only to block the shot, and he, as a striker, has to go after such a ball. I don’t blame him. It’s sport, it’s football. Situations like this belong to it. Of course, he realised he hit me. He asked me if I was OK. I take it sportingly.’

‘I try to keep a clear head in these situations. It is a contact sport. Today, when we have VAR at our disposal. There is no point in getting into it.’

Dubravka was able to complete the game despite the incident and should also be ready to feature against Liechtenstein.

During his brief loan spell at Manchester United, Dubravka made just two appearances before returning to Newcastle. 

Dubravka and Ronaldo were briefly club team-mates in the second half of last season

Dubravka and Ronaldo were briefly club team-mates in the second half of last season

Dubravka and Ronaldo were briefly club team-mates in the second half of last season

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Newcastle’s Latest Third Kit Honors a Classic Club Appearance

Newcastle United and adidas have revealed the club’s 2025/26 season third kit…

Joao Pedro Geared Up for Clash: Chelsea Faces Fluminense in Club World Cup Semi-Final with Iconic Boxing Announcer in Attendance

It is believed FIFA have hired Michael Buffer — the legendary ring…

Man United’s Pre-Season: Challenges of Selling Unwanted Players and the Influence of the ‘Gang of Five’ at Carrington, by Chris Wheeler

Pre-season is typically an opportunity for fresh starts and clean slates, but…

England U-21s triumphantly celebrate their European Championship victory

England’s Under-21 team celebrated in grand fashion after successfully defending their European…

Retired Footballer Completes 37-Hour Fitness Challenge to Honor Late Teammate Joe Thompson, Dies at 36

As the self-doubt started to bleed into Simon Ramsden’s thoughts, his legs…

Rio Ferdinand’s 18-year-old son enters Premier League’s ‘nepo-baby’ ranks by inking first pro deal with top-performing team

Rio Ferdinand’s son Lorenz has become the latest in the expanding lineup…

Liga MX Unveils Striking 2025 All-Star Uniform Showcasing Mascots and Team Symbols

Last week, Major League Soccer introduced the jersey for the 2025 MLS…

Yoane Wissa aims to exit Brentford in a historic move to another Premier League team

Yoane Wissa is pushing to leave Brentford this summer, talkSPORT understands. The…

Why Arsenal is Investing £70m in Victor Gyokeres: Sporting Lisbon’s Rising Star and Brighton’s Greatest Regret

When Swansea signed a forward on loan in October 2020, it did…

From Joyful Beginnings to a Heartfelt Goodbye: Ave Maria Echoes from Their Wedding to Diogo Jota’s Funeral Just 13 Days Later

At the end of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva’s funeral…