On Sunday afternoon, 320 minutes after making his Serie A debut, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first two goals for Juventus. They came in a game against Sassuolo, a team with two wins and a draw heading into the contest.
Ronaldo’s summer transfer to Juventus echoed around the world, so when one of the best goalscorers in history took the pitch, fans were expecting bombs to fly early and often. CR7 was heavily involved in Juventus’ first three games, yet couldn’t seem to get himself in a position to score. If anyone else performed the way he did in the initial appearances for a new club, he would’ve been praised. However, Ronaldo is held to a whole different standard. Based on that standard, he was failing to deliver. Until Sunday.
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Ronaldo debut goals for Juventus
Shortly after the break and after a total of 28 attempts on goal since the beginning of the season, Cristiano Ronaldo found the net in the simplest possible manner. Gianmarco Ferrari headed the ball into his own post and it rebounded right onto an unmarked Ronaldo, who tapped it in from close range to the delight of the Old Lady fans. The goal ended a 320-minute long goalless run for the Portuguese superstar. He then scored a second in the 65th minute. In typical Ronaldo fashion, he sprinted with exceptional pace during a Juventus counter attack. His teammates found him and the 33-year-old coolly finished low past the goalkeeper.
Ronaldo missed a couple of early chances and admitted after the game he was anxious to get on the scoresheet as soon as possible.
“I was a little bit anxious as expectations were high,”
“I really wanted to score, so I’m happy.”
He could’ve completed a hat-trick late on but missed two easy chances from inside the penalty area. Nevertheless, it was a great day for him. The crowd was ecstatic, and so were his wife and kids, also in attendance.
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Douglas Costa spits on Federico Di Francesco
Sassuolo did pull one goal back through Khouma Babacar but it was Douglas Costa who stole the headlines after video replay revealed he spit on an opponent. The Brazilian made a dangerous lunging tackle on Federico Di Francesco leading up to Babacar’s goal. When the Sassuolo player got up from the ground, Costa threw an elbow and tried to headbutt the Italian. He was initially booked for his offense but was later sent off after VAR showed the true gravity of his actions.
Post-game, Douglas Costa apologized for his “ugly” reaction. Massimiliano Allegri did not approve.
“Even if he was fouled, these episodes must not happen,”
“It’s only right that he is fined, and he certainly will be. I was surprised by his reaction. We have suffered a goal, a red card and a suspension which will be long.”
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Next up for Juventus
Juventus sit atop of the Serie A standings as the only team with a perfect record. They travel to lowly Frosinone next but not before taking on Valencia in the Champions League on Wednesday.