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Ex-NUFC star stuns Ronaldo to reach Champions League quarter final in Tuesday night classic

by Charlie Bennett ·

Chancel Mbemba put in a stunning performance to help guide Porto into the Champions League quarter finals at Juventus' expense last night.

The former Toon defender formed a brick wall alongside 38-year old Pepe to nullify one of the greatest players of all time in Cristiano Ronaldo.

His last ditch blocks, reading of the game and a never-say-die attitude helped get 10-man Porto over the line and knock out the Italian giants on their own soil in extra-time.

You can watch highlights from the five-goal thriller here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byl05e80AP0


It has been almost three years since Rafa Benitez sold Mbemba to the Portuguese giants, with the reported fee said to be in the region of £7m.

Signed during the Steve McClaren era, the former Anderlecht star was one of few who didn't disgrace himself during that relegation season, with many fans admiring his pace, athleticism and ability to carry the ball out of defence.

Now 26-years old and performing superbly on the Champions League stage, he adds his name to the list of players who went on to achieve great things after leaving Newcastle United.

Did Rafa Benitez make a mistake letting him go?

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