Arturo Vidal Calls Cristiano Ronaldo a 'Smart Ass' Ahead of Portugal vs. Chile

Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal has branded Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo a "smart ass" ahead of their meeting in the semi-final of the Confederations Cup on Wednesday.

Having progressed through the group stage of the tournament in Russia, the South American and European champions will go head-to-head in what should be an absorbing game. And it's a match that is likely to contain some needle now too, with Vidal offering a candid assessment of Ronaldo.

"Cristiano is a smart ass," he said to reporters in Russia, per Luke Augustus of MailOnline. "For me he does not exist. I have already told my Bayern Munich team-mate [and Germany international] Joshua Kimmich that we will meet again in the final!"

The pair don't appear to have any past history, although the Real Madrid striker did bring an end to Bayern Munich's UEFA Champions League chances earlier this term.

In the first leg of a memorable quarter-final tie, Vidal put Bayern ahead before a Ronaldo brace gave Real Madrid a crucial 2-1 away win. 

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Both men were involved in the second leg too, as Los Blancos eventually emerged as 4-2 winners after extra time on the night, with Ronaldo scoring a hat-trick; Vidal was controversially given his marching orders in the game.

It is difficult to call who will come out on top in what should be a brilliant semi-final. As noted by Squawka Football, both men have a tremendous record on the international stage:

At the tournament so far, Chile have played out draws against Germany and Australia either side of a comprehensive 2-0 win over Cameroon, a game in which Vidal bagged the opener. 

Portugal drew their first game 2-2 against Mexico, although wins over Russia and New Zealand saw them top Group A. Ronaldo has netted in both of their victories so far.