You’d think with all the skills at his disposal that Ronaldinho wouldn’t have to play a cheeky little off the ball trick to find space in an opponent’s area.
But so it proved in this Copa Libertadores match up between Atletico Mineiro and Sao Paulo on Wednesday evening. Ronaldinho was the key man in the game, bagging himself two assists as he helped Mineiro beat Sao Paulo 2-1.
Whilst his second assist was a fine run down the right and cross there was something a little contentious about his first. Or perhaps it was a touch of genius from the wily old fox.
Apparently suffering from a mouth injury Ronaldinho stays inside Sao Paulo’s box following a failed attack. Obviously, having sustained a mouth injury, he needed some liquid and Sao Paulo’s keeper was only to happy to oblige.
Being 32 and not as energetic as he once was, Ronaldinho (whilst keeping one eye on where the ball is) takes a long gulp of water and strolls back into the general direction of where the action is.
Mineiro win a throw in and, surprise surprise, there’s crafty ol’ Ronnie still the box and the ball comes to come him and he squares it to former Man City player Jo for the easy tap in.
Cheating or good common sense? You decide.