Real Madrid’s midfield maestro, Toni Kroos, has just joined an elite group of players who have made at least 150 appearances in the UEFA Champions League.
That’s right, he’s now rubbing shoulders with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi!
Toni Kroos Shines in Real Madrid’s Semi-final Triumph
Kroos showed exactly why he’s considered one of the best in the business during Real Madrid’s semifinal clash against his former club, Bayern Munich. In the first leg at the Allianz Arena on April 30th, the German midfielder was the architect of Real Madrid‘s victory, splitting Bayern’s defense with a pinpoint pass that led to Vinicius Junior’s winning goal.
Fast forward to the second leg on May 8th, and Kroos was at it again. With the score tied at 2-2 from the first leg, Real Madrid needed a big performance to book their place in the final. Kroos stepped up to the plate, playing a crucial role in his team’s stunning 2-1 comeback victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Joining the 150 Club
With his commanding display in the semifinal, Kroos has now made at least 150 appearances in the Champions League, according to Opta Jose. This incredible achievement puts him in an exclusive group of players who have reached this milestone.
When Real Madrid takes on Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley, Kroos will have the chance to add even more appearances to his already impressive tally.
Elite Company
So, who else is in this illustrious 150-member club? Well, leading the way is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, who has an astonishing 183 Champions League appearances to his name. Hot on his heels is the legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas, with 177 appearances.
Lionel Messi takes the third spot with 163 appearances, while Karim Benzema is just behind Kroos with 152. Two other midfield greats, Xavi Hernandez (151 appearances) and Thomas Muller (150 appearances), also join Kroos.
A True Legend
Toni Kroos’ achievement is a testament to his incredible talent, consistency, and longevity at the highest level of the game. He’s been a key player for Real Madrid since joining the club in 2014, helping them win numerous titles, including four Champions League trophies.
The Information is Collected from Sportskeeda and MSN