Soccer

Juventus win in Valencia despite Ronaldo sending off

Forward could miss game against Man United at Old Trafford

Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after receiving a red card during his Champions League debut for the Italian club against Valencia at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia. Photograph: Jose Jordan/AFP/Getty Images

Wed Sep 19 2018 - 21:12

Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off on his Champions League debut for Juventus as a pair of penalties from Miralem Pjanic gave the Italian champions a 2-0 win in Valencia.

Ronaldo, the Champions League’s all-time leading scorer with 120 goals, was dismissed after just 28 minutes following an off-the-ball incident.

The forward appeared to put his hand on the head of Valencia defender Jeison Murillo, who fell to the ground. Referee Felix Brych gave Ronaldo a straight red card after discussing the incident with his assistant behind the goal.

The Portugal captain looked baffled and kept protesting his innocence, briefly laying on the ground to express his disbelief. He was clearly distraught as he left the pitch, still shaking his head.

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It was his first red card in 154 Champions League games and it means he is set to miss a return to Old Trafford when Juventus play his former club Manchester United next month.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Juventus scored both of their goals without their star man with Pjanic tucking away his spot kicks in the minutes either side of half-time.

There was a third penalty in the match deep into injury time but Dani Parejo saw his effort saved by Wojciech Szczesny as Valencia were denied a consolation goal.

Earlier in Manchester City's group, Shakhtar Donetsk twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Hoffenheim, who scored goals through Florian Grillitsch and Havard Nordtveit.

Dos Santos Ismaily first brought the Ukranian champions level before substitute Barberan Maycon rescued the hosts a point with nine minutes left.

The other early kick-off saw Ajax win 3-0 at home against AEK Athens. Nicolas Tagliafico was on target either side of Donny van de Beek's strike for the Dutch side.

Later in Group E, goals from Robert Lewandowski and Renato Sanches saw Bayern Munich win 2-0 at Benfica.

Holders Real Madrid made a winning start in Group G as goals from Isco, Gareth Bale and Diaz Mariano gave them a 3-0 victory against Roma at the Bernabeu while Viktoria Plzen squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with CSKA Moscow.

Michal Krmencik scored twice to put Plzen in control but Fedor Chalov pulled one back before an injury-time penalty from Nikola Vlasic rescued a point for the Russians.

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