Ronaldo opens account, Costa sees red for spitting

MILAN, September 16 

Cristiano Ronaldo broke his Juventus duck in his fourth game when his second-half brace gave them a 2-1 win over Sassuolo on Sunday, although the Turin side’s day was marred by a red card for Douglas Costa for spitting at an opponent.

The five-time World Player of the Year opened his account in the easiest possible fashion by tapping into an empty net from less than two metres in the 50th minute, then finished off a counterattack 15 minutes later.

Khouma Babacar headed one back in the 90th minute but the game ended in ugly scenes as Costa became involved in a running feud with Sassoulo midfielder Federico Di Francesco.

The Brazilian escaped with a booking for elbowing and then head-butting his rival as they tangled before the Sassuolo goal, but was then sent off after cameras caught him spitting at the same player in another altercation.

Juventus, chasing an eighth successive Serie A title, have 12 points, three ahead of Napoli, while Sassuolo are on eight after their first defeat of the season.

“I was a little bit anxious as expectations were high,” said Ronaldo. “I really wanted to score, so I’m happy.” 

Sassuolo allowed Ronaldo few openings in the first half apart from an early shot which was blocked and a header which went wide. 

He also tried his luck from a 30-metre freekick but sent a disappointing effort harmlessly wide of Andrea Consigli’s goal. But Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri’s prediction that it would be Ronaldo’s day proved to be right. Ronaldo’s luck changed when Sassuolo defender Gian Marco Ferrari headed a corner onto his own post and the rebound left Ronaldo with the easiest of tap-ins. Sassuolo, who caused Juventus trouble all afternoon, were then caught on the break, with Emre Can sliding the ball to Ronaldo to drill an angled left-foot shot into the far corner. — Reuters