Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace helps Juventus remain in Champions League qualification race

Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace helps Juventus remain in Champions League qualification race

Cristiano Ronaldo turned out to be Juventus saviour yet again this season. The Portuguese striker scored twice in the final 10 minutes of the match helping Juventus earn a comeback victory against Udinese.

Juventus are now 3rd in Serie A and remain in the qualification race for the Champions League spots next season. A defeat in this match would have left them at the 5th spot and complicated their chances of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.

Juventus have already conceded the Serie A title to Inter and are fighting for a Top-4 place now

Udinese earned a very early lead in the 10th minute from a very well taken free-kick. Molina struck from close range as Juventus were caught unawares by a quickly taken free-kick.

Juventus created a few chances of their own in the first half with Weston Mckennie coming the closest to goal. Andrea Pirlo’s side looked tensed as minutes ticked by and Udinese continued to keep Juventus at bay.

Juve’s wait for an equaliser lasted long and the tension became visible on the faces of the players and Andrea Pirlo on the dugout. Their prayers were answered in the 83rd minute when Juventus were handed a lifeline in the form of a penalty.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the equaliser from the penalty spot

Ronaldo’s free kick struck the arms of a Udinese defender and the referee pointed to the spot. Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up and equalised for the Bianconeri to set up a grand finale for the final 5 minutes.

Ronaldo then scored the winner in the 89th minute, a header from close range to give Juventus the crucial 3 points which has kept them alive in the Serie A. Rabiot’s deep cross was met by Ronaldo and he headed home from an acute angle.

Juventus have already lost their Serie A crown to Inter this season and are only fighting for the Top-4 spots. With 4 matches to go this win puts them in a good position to qualify for the UCL next season.

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