Juventus Close Out Valencia as Ronaldo Sees Red ... Literally

If this match had any third-party distinction, it'd have to be as Cristiano Ronaldo’s first Champions League game away from Real Madrid.

However, it was not the Portuguese’s night.

Not that his services were needed. A 29th-minute red card saw to that.

Le Zebre had matters well under control as they methodically cruised through Valencia, 0-2, to open their Group H campaign.

In fact, the incident that caused the card turned out to be the night's premier dramatic moment.

At the 29th minute, Murillo fell into the area, complaining about a penalty. Ronaldo didn’t like that and tried to pull him up by yanking at his hair.

Not the brightest thing to do at the best of times.

 

To the referee and his crew, it was sufficient grounds to flash a straight red card in Ronaldo's specific direction.

Being real, if anyone knows dives, it's the Portuguese. Apparently, that's a finer point that went unappreciated:

 

Dude left the pitch in tears.

Maybe it was his first time being sent out after 154 UCL matches, but that's enough to get his Man card pulled.

Anyway, 10 men, no problem, as far as Juve were concerned.

Their undermanned pressure still produced a penalty near the intermission. Trying to take the ball away, Daniel Parejo ended up fouling João Cancelo inside the area.

Miralem Pjanić stepped up and fired home. Neto got close, but to no avail:

Juventus had the 10-man thing well and truly sorted by the second half.

Dudes even won another penalty in the 51st minute. Murillo brought Leonardo Bonucci down, and Pjanić again made good from the spot:

Valencia even had their chance at a penalty in the 95th minute when Daniele Rugani hit Gabriel on the face. Parejo took the ball, but it was not to be.

Wojciech Szczęsny denied him.

 

So, Le Zebre is one-up in the group.

As for their kajillionaire striker who draws ratings when he's on the pitch and not suspended?

To be continued.