Cristiano Ronaldo, in his years playing in Europe's premier club competition, the UEFA Champions League, established for himself a legacy unmatched, with record-breaking goals and unforgettable performances.

Throughout his illustrious career with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, he repeatedly tormented certain teams on Europe’s biggest stage.

Whether it was his breathtaking bicycle kick against Juventus, decisive hat-tricks against Atlético Madrid, or dominant displays against Bayern Munich, he consistently delivered against top opponents.

His ability to rise to the occasion on biggest stages of all made him a nightmare for defenders, with many clubs struggling to contain his relentless attacking prowess.

Some of these teams have suffered more than others, with the Portuguese punishing them time and again with clinical finishing and clutch performances.

In this article, Betrekatips explores the five teams Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed facing the most in the Champions League, analyzing his goal-scoring record and memorable moments against each of them.

Who Are Cristiano Ronaldo's Favourite UEFA Champions League Opponents?

5. Schalke 04 – seven goals 

In just four encounters with Schalke, Cristiano Ronaldo amassed seven goals, making the German club one of his favorite UEFA Champions League opponents.

He scored braces in three of these matches, demonstrating his consistent threat against the German side (also seven goals against Borussia Dortmund).

His contributions were pivotal in Real Madrid's progression during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, in the former where they went all the way to clinch the time.

4. Atlético Madrid – seven goals 

In his club career, Cristiano Ronaldo faced and scored against Atletico Madrid more times than he has against any other side so far. He made his most Champions League appearances against them as well (12, level with Lyon).

The five time Ballon d'Or winner scored seven Champions League matches against Atlético Madrid, all coming in just three games, including an extra time penalty in his first meeting with Roji Blancos in the competition, in the 2014 final.

His knack for delivering decisive performances against Atlético saw him produce a hat-trick in the 2016-17 semi-final first leg meeting as a Real Madrid player and another hat-trick latter in 2018-19, overturning a first-leg deficit for Juventus.

3. Bayern Munich – nine goals 

Bayern Munich is one of Cristiano Ronaldo favourite opponents in the UEFA Champions League. The Portuguese scored nine goals in eight matches against the Bavarians.

His five-goal haul in a dramatic quarter-final tie in 2016-17 added to his gracious numbers against the German giant, which include a hat-trick in the second leg.

Cristiano Ronaldo instrumental in Real Madrid's aggregate victory. His performance in the tie remains one of the all-time best by an individual in a UEFA Champions League knockout tie, if not the very best.

2. Ajax – nine goals 

Cristiano Ronaldo found the net nine times in seven appearances against Ajax, scoring against them both as a Real Madrid and Juventus player.

He recorded his first ever Champions League hat-trick against them in a group meeting with Real Madrid in 2012, sealing a 4-1 victory for the Spanish giants in Amsterdam.

Despite his efforts, including scoring in both legs of the 2018-19 quarter-finals for Juventus, Ajax advanced, marking one of the few times his goals weren't enough to secure progression.

1. Juventus – 10 goals

Despite being one of the three teams Cristiano Ronaldo represented in the competition, Juventus remains his favorite opponent in the UEFA Champions League and it'll remain so till the rest of time.

Before joining the Old Ladies, Ronaldo had a remarkable record against them, scoring 10 goals in only seven matches, which included a brace in the 2017 final, leading Real Madrid to a 4-1 victory.

His stunning overhead kick in the 2017-18 quarter-finals was another impressive showing that earned him a standing ovation from the Juventus fans, completing a brace in a 3-0 Real Madrid win in Turin.

These five teams suffered the most in the hands of Cristiano Ronaldo, the all-time leading Goalscorer in the history of the UEFA Champions League with 140 goals.