Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid: 3 key battles that decided the game
In what many predicted to be a very close encounter, Real Madrid came out with a strong statement for being the team to beat as they stormed their way to a 0-3 win away from home against Juventus.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored yet again (twice) in the UEFA Champions League to take his tally to 14 goals in 9 games this season - having scored in every single one of them. The hosts were threatening to score after conceding early, but a wonder goal from the Portuguese and a red-card to Dybala took things away from their grasp.
As usual, there were some individual battles that went a long way in deciding the tie. Here's a look at 3 key battles that had a say on the result:
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo vs Giorgio Chiellini
While it is debatable if Cristiano Ronaldo is a better footballer than Lionel Messi, it is hardly an argument when it comes to goal-scoring.
His appetite for scoring goals is truly remarkable, and it was evident from every minute of the game. Every time the ball went to the Juventus half of the pitch, Ronaldo was guaranteed to be in its vicinity.
While the first goal was a classic poacher's finish, the second one will definitely go down in history as one of the goals to remember in the Champions League. After a poor start to the season, Ronaldo is finally coming into his groove and a strong finish will give him an important boost for the Ballon d'Or.
After an outstanding game against Tottenham last month, Chiellini had a game to forget this time around. His mix-up with Buffon was vital to the second goal despite Buffon pulling off an excellent save off Lucas Vazquez, and thank god for that.
If Juventus have an inclination to pull off an upset in the second leg, this battle will once again be the most important one.