UEFA Champions League
Juventus Defeat Valencia Despite Ronaldo Sending Off
Juventus kicked off their Champions League campaign with a victory against Valencia despite Cristiano Ronaldo being sent off on his return to Spain. Two penalties either side of half time from Miralem Pjanic helped Juventus get off to the perfect start.
However, the big talking point will be Ronaldo being sent off for the first time in the Champions League. The Portuguese striker tangled with Valencia defender Jeison Murillo. Ronaldo appeared to tap Murillo on the head, but replays indicated that he may have pulled the defender’s hair. The referee behind the goal gave the decision, which left Ronaldo in tears and disbelief.
Ronaldo’s sending off could see him miss both games against Manchester United. Despite being down to ten men, Juventus took the lead just before half time.
Joao Cancelo was brought down by Valencia midfielder Dani Parejo inside the penalty area. The referee immediately pointed to the spot. Pjanic stepped up and slotted the penalty past Neto who managed to get a hand to it but couldn’t keep it out.
Just four minutes after the break Juventus doubled their lead from the spot once again. Jeison Murillo pulled down Leonardo Bonucci inside the box. Up stepped Pjanic who coolly slotted the ball past Neto.
Valencia huffed and puffed but couldn’t create any clear-cut chances. Much of their attempts were from long range. They had a chance late on to pull a goal back from the penalty spot.
Juventus defender Daniele Rugani was adjudged to have brought down Gabriel inside the penalty area. Up stepped Dani Parejo but his penalty was well saved by Wojciech Szczesny in the Juventus goal. It pretty much summed up a disappointing night for Valencia.
Who Needs Ronaldo
The big talking point will be Ronaldo being sent off on his return to Spain.
It did look like he pulled the hair of Jeison Murillo, but the referee’s decision did look harsh. However, he wasn’t missed tonight as even with ten men Juventus were by far the better side.
They should have been out of sight before Ronaldo got sent off. Mario Mandzukic missed a great chance from six yards out after being set up by Ronaldo. But the Croatian international couldn’t divert his shot on target.
Federico Bernardeschi was next to go close. A cross from Alex Sandro was fumbled by Neto in the Valencia goal. It fell to Bernardeschi who’s shot was saved by Neto. He fumbled the ball once again into the path of Blaise Matudi. But once again Neto pulled off a fine save.
However, once Juventus did get in front from the penalty spot, they had Valencia where they wanted them. They were able to play with two banks of four and made it incredibly hard for the Spanish side to breakthrough.
Juventus’s experience showed, and they had the composure to control the rest of the game despite being down to ten men. Overall this was a great night for Allegri’s side showing that there is more about them than just Cristiano Ronaldo.
Worrying Times For Marcelino
The pressure is starting to mount for Valencia boss Marcelino. They are still without a win this season and losing to a team down to ten men continues a miserable start to the campaign.
Yes, they were playing against one of the best defensive teams in Europe. But Valencia sorely lack any creativity and invention.
The same can be said for their performance against Real Betis at the weekend. Time and time again Valencia were restricted to shots from distance.
Midfielder Carlos Soler had five long range attempts. None of which forced the keeper into a save. Valencia had 28 shots at goal but six were on target. A miserable night was compounded with the late penalty miss from Dani Parejo.
With Juventus down to ten men you would have expected Valencia to press higher up the pitch. But they were unable to do that and instead gave away two penalties, which could have been avoided.
That allowed Juventus to sit back and defend in numbers and they never looked in any real danger. Valencia’s lack of firepower will be a huge concern for Marcelino, who’s side aren’t playing with the same intensity as last season.
They need a win desperately and what better way to kick start their season than beating local rivals Villarreal on Sunday. Meanwhile, Juventus will look to keep their perfect start to the season when they face Frosinone on Sunday night.
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Photo credit to Donald Trump via Flickr
