Ronaldo Strike Not Enough To Save Juve From First Loss
08 December, 2019
Teams: Lazio 3-1 Juventus
Date: 07 December 2019
Venue: Stadio Olimpico
Cristiano Ronaldo found the back of the net once again but it was not enough as Juventus suffered their first Serie A defeat on Saturday night.
The champions returned to action following last Sunday’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Sassuolo, with Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala set up top, whilst Gonzalo Higuain dropped to the bench.
Ronaldo availed himself for a well-weighted through pass across goal from Rodrigo Bentancur to tap into an empty net 25 minutes on the clock to put the home side in the lead.
Nearly an instant response from the Eagles ten minutes to halftime but Ciro Immobile drew a rush of blood to the head with a wayward volley from a tight angle after a cross from Manuel Lazzari.
Lazio worked a short corner allowed Luis Alberto a perfect angle to sweep in a cross that flew over Leonardo Bonucci and onto the head of Luiz Felipe, who nodded home in added time.
Juve went down to ten men after 69 minutes after Juan Cuadrado committed a professional foul, with the Video Assistant Referee assisting the Colombian’s dismissal.
This opened the door for Lazio who went and claimed the lead through a Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who controlled a long ball to drill into the net five minutes later.
Lazio had a chance to pile more misery on Juve when Angel Correa went down in the area two minutes later. Immobile missed the resultant spot kick, giving the visitors a lifeline.
Howevr, second-half substitute Felipe Caicedo announced his arrival with the final touch of the game as he netted the third at the death to hand Juve his first defeat.