OTD: WATCH - Cristiano Ronaldo scores a rocket free-kick against Arsenal in the semifinals of UCL 2009

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner footballing icon Cristiano Ronaldo scored one of the best braces of his entire career against Arsenal in the semifinals of UCL 2009.

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Shubhrajit Goswami
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Cristiano Ronaldo's brace against Arsenal in UCL semis (Source: X)

One of the best goal-scorers of all time, Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo has scored some unbelievable goals throughout his career. He is adept at scoring from any position against the best teams around the world. His ability to score from open play, free kicks and penalty spots is unmatched.

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Football fans got the opportunity to witness one of the best braces of his career in the year 2009. Cristiano Ronaldo then played for the Red Devils aka Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo's 40-yards screamer against Arsenal

On this day, 16 years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo soured the hopes of Premier League club Arsenal to win their maiden UEFA Champions League title. Taking the field for Manchester United, the prolific goal poacher scored twice to dent the hopes of Arsenal in the semi-finals of UCL 2009.

WATCH video here:

At first in the 10th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo took a free-kick from a spot that was almost 40 yards away from Arsenal's goal. While the commentators asserted that the distance might be too large for Ronaldo to take a direct shot, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner backed his instincts to take a thunderous shot into the back of the net. The goal from nearly 40 yards out left everyone speechless.

That was not the end of the day for the striker. Later in the evening, Ronaldo scored another goal in the 61st from a quick slick counterattack to put the final nails in the coffin for Arsenal. The defending champions went to the finals of the UCL 2009. However, in the finals, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to steer his side to victory against Lionel Messi's Barcelona.

Cristiano Ronaldo, now at the age of 40, continues to be the highest goal scorer on the planet. He has amassed a total of 928 career goals. He has made his intentions clear to breach the 1000-goal mark by the time he hangs up his boots.

Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United