USMNT World Cup Hopeful Ties Cristiano Ronaldo’s Clutch Champions League Goal Record

USMNT Forward Ricardo Pepi Equals Cristiano Ronaldo’s Record

Manchester City legend Sergio Agüero once shared the same remarkable record. However, the chart of the most decisive scorers in Champions League history is still led by Cristiano Ronaldo, the tournament’s top performer.

Now, Ricardo Pepi, a United States men’s national team (USMNT) hopeful, has joined this select group. On Tuesday evening, Pepi scored a crucial 93rd-minute equalizer for PSV Eindhoven in a 1–1 draw against Olympiacos, marking his third stoppage-time goal in the competition.

Dramatic Late Goals

Pepi has developed a reputation for delivering when it matters most. His first Champions League goal came in November 2023—a 92nd-minute winner versus Sevilla. Entering the match late, the Texan striker scored just ten minutes after stepping onto the field, completing an unlikely comeback from two goals behind.

In another thrilling fixture last season, PSV trailed 2–0 to Shakhtar Donetsk. Malik Tillman struck twice to level in regular time before Pepi sealed victory in the 95th minute.

"In the 33-year history of the Champions League in its modern format, no player can better Pepi’s tally of three goals in second-half stoppage time which positively changed the result," — Opta.

A Rare Feat

Ricardo Pepi’s consistency in high-pressure moments is positioning him as one of the most clutch finishers of his generation.

Author’s Summary

Ricardo Pepi joined elite company with three late Champions League goals, matching Ronaldo’s record and proving himself as one of football’s new clutch performers.

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inkl inkl — 2025-11-06

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