Former Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has recalled the confidence Cristiano Ronaldo displayed before some of the club’s biggest Champions League matches, highlighting the Portuguese forward’s exceptional finishing ability and instincts inside the penalty area. According to a report by Madrid Universal on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Carvajal reflected on their time together at the Santiago Bernabeu and explained how Ronaldo’s assurance influenced his own approach to delivering crosses.

Carvajal, who now plays for Getafe, discussed his former teammate during an interview with AS. He revealed that Ronaldo would regularly encourage him to send the ball into the penalty area, insisting that he would position himself correctly to turn the delivery into a scoring opportunity.

“Look, when you get there, you put it anywhere, I'll be right there,” Carvajal recalled Ronaldo telling him.

The Spanish right-back explained that Ronaldo’s confidence gave him the belief to deliver crosses against even the strongest opposition. Knowing that the forward would anticipate the ball and attack it allowed Carvajal to focus on providing the service rather than worrying about whether his teammate would reach the intended area.

Carvajal also praised Ronaldo’s presence in front of goal, describing him as “so imposing... a predator in the box”. His comments reflected the striker’s ability to identify openings, position himself effectively and capitalise on opportunities during decisive moments.

The former Real Madrid defender also expressed confidence that Ronaldo would eventually reach 1,000 career goals. The Al-Nassr forward has continued pursuing the milestone, and Carvajal believes his former teammate’s dedication and determination make the achievement deserved.

“That guy is going to reach 1,000 goals, for sure. And he deserves it. He is the embodiment of discipline, of perseverance,” Carvajal said.

Beyond discussing Ronaldo’s goalscoring record, Carvajal encouraged supporters to remember the extraordinary performances the forward produced during his years at Real Madrid. He suggested that assessments of Ronaldo should not focus primarily on the later stages of his career, arguing that his influence and quality during his peak years in Spain deserve greater recognition.

“People tend to remember him from his last years. Anyone who hasn't seen Cristiano here at Real Madrid, especially... he was incredible,” he added.

Carvajal spent the majority of his career at Real Madrid, making 451 appearances and winning six Champions League titles. Four of those European triumphs came during the period when he played alongside Ronaldo, with the pair celebrating victories in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Ronaldo arrived at the Spanish club from Manchester United in 2009 and departed for Juventus in 2018. During his time in Madrid, he established himself as one of the club’s most prolific goalscorers and played a central role in its success in domestic and European competitions.

Carvajal has recently begun a new chapter in his career after joining Getafe as a free agent following the expiration of his Real Madrid contract. He has signed an agreement that runs until the end of the season.

His recollections offer further insight into Ronaldo’s mentality during their successful years together, particularly the confidence and discipline that helped make the Portuguese forward such a decisive figure in major matches.