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Newcastle keeper Dubravka details risky Ronaldo clash

Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has revealed that he got lucky after a recent collision with Cristiano Ronaldo.

As the Portuguese forward was going for a loose ball in a Euro 2024 qualifier, he caught Dubravka in several spots.

After avoiding a red card through a VAR check, Ronaldo was relieved to see Dubravka get up.

Post-game, Newcastle goalkeeper Dubravka said of where he was caught: “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."

He added: “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 realized 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."

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Ansser Sadiq

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