UCL: Pjanic Double Helps Juve Despite CR7 Red

Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off on his Champions League debut for Juventus but two Miralem Pjanic penalties secured the 10 men a dramatic 2-0 win at Valencia.

Ex-Real Madrid forward Ronaldo was dismissed just 29 minutes into his much-anticipated return to Spain following an off-the-ball incident involving Jeison Murillo.

Referee Felix Brych consulted with his assistants and brandished a straight red for Ronaldo’s apparent attempt to pull Murillo’s hair, meaning the 33-year-old, who was reduced to tears in the aftermath to the dismissal, could miss a reunion with former club Manchester United in October, if UEFA chooses to extend his mandatory one-match ban.

While Ronaldo’s presence has raised hopes Juve can end their 22-year wait for European success, the Bianconeri demonstrated they can still prosper without him as Pjanic’s spot-kicks either side of half-time secured a hard-earned three points on the road.