Despite losing Cristiano Ronaldo to a red card in the opening half-hour, Juventus defeated Valencia 2-0 to collect all three points in the group stages of the Champions League, a competition they are desperate to win.
Prior to his sending off, Juventus attacked Valencia relentlessly, with Federico Bernardeschi getting past his men and delivering great passes into the box. Ronaldo and Mario Mandzukic were threatening, and it seemed like it was only a matter of time before the Old Lady scored. Cue the drama, Ronaldo tears and the disappointment of the Juve squad. The Portuguese seemed to grab Jeison Murillo's hair (or did he?) to earn a straight red.
Valencia took the opportunity to try to challenge, growing more determined and aggressive. Michy Batshuayi had a great chance but it was Juve who registered the first goal. Joao Cancelo struck the crossbar and then earned a penalty. Miralem Pjanic duly converted. Another penalty in the 49th minute and Juve were 2-0 up.
Valencia tried to push but Juve were simply too good for the Spaniards, registering their first European win of the season.
Positives
The fact Juve can go down to 10 men in the 29th minute and still score two and keep a clean sheet against Valencia is a testament to their solidity, unity and experience. Massimiliano Allegri knows how to get it done.
Negatives
Can anyone look past the red card for Ronaldo? The man made for this competition who left the field in tears, the superstar was supposed to be the man Juventus relied upon in this competition, but a straight red card means he could miss the next two games, including the return to Old Trafford. Juve will have to try to cope without him.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Never underestimate a Max Allegri team, the ultimate tactician. His team knew how to overcome the obstacles, stay united and do enough to secure an important result. He can be proud of the psychological strength of this side.
Player ratings (1-10; 10=best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Wojciech Szczesny, 6 -- A terrific penalty save at the end ensured the clean sheet and the result.
DF Joao Cancelo, 8 -- Brilliant performance from the full-back, who ran his heart out, hit the crossbar, won the penalty and did everything he could to ensure the points. A leader.
DF Leonardo Bonucci, 6 -- Won the second penalty and stopped Denis Cherychev from scoring the follow-up to the saved penalty. Alert and there in the big moments.
DF Giorgio Chiellini, 7 -- A warrior at the back who anticipated the moves, read the danger, neutralised the opponent and ensured safety.
DF Alex Sandro, 6 -- Some good deliveries but then several mistakes in defence. Is he tired? Is he always focused?
MF Sami Khedira, 5 -- A delightful pull back means Khedira was had a beautiful chance for goal but he missed it. He must do better to convert. Sadly he was taken off early with an injury.
MF Miralem Pjanic, 7 -- The second penalty was excellent, the first good enough. His composure deserves praise, and he hasn't always shown that in certain games.
MF Blaise Matuidi, 6 -- Really tried to make his mark after Ronaldo's sending-off, trying to exploit space and contribute to the team's attacking play. Offered the usual balance and intensity.
FW Federico Bernardeschi, 7 -- What a talent! He started the match creating goal-scoring opportunity upon goal-scoring opportunity. Head up and always looking to provide, there was the perfect pass to Ronaldo, the cut back to Khedira and then a shot that was well saved. His crosses, his passes, his vision, the Italian simply lifted the level of play in the final third. Dropped off in the second half.
FW Mario Mandzukic, 6 -- Had a great opportunity to score in the beginning but squandered it. After Ronaldo was sent off, he could hardly play, and instead served his team to ensure solidity.
FW Cristiano Ronaldo, 5 -- The rating is not fair because Ronaldo never deserved to be sent off. Up until that point he was constantly involved in the match, trying to make the most of Bernardeschi's creativity. But sent off in the 29th minute for seemingly reacting to Jeison Murillo.
Substitutes
MF Emre Can, 6 -- Strong, imposing but not yet in tune with Juve's rhythm and not in the best physical condition.
FW Douglas Costa, N/A -- Came on and had a good chance but then suffered an injury, carried off the field.
DF Daniele Rugani, N/A -- He gave the penalty away at the end, a little bit unlucky. Luckily Szczesny saved.