Juventus’ Stadium hosted Cagliari for a fresh Serie A match after coming back from the last international break of 2020.
The Bianconeri wanted to keep tabs on the other clubs at the top of the table in their attempt to return to the lead. In order to do this, they needed the best Cristiano Ronaldo back to his goal-scoring habits.
The Portuguese forward didn’t disappoint with a first-half brace that made us all feel Juventus could win by a large margin tonight.
His opener was a thing of beauty. A long-distance effort after cutting to the heart of the box that reminded us of vintage Ronaldo. Not long after that, Cristiano connected with Demiral during a corner kick for his second goal of the evening.
As the ref sent everybody to rest, Juventus was showing some positive feels that wouldn’t return for the second half.
Juventus Player Ratings
Gianluigi Buffon – 6/10
The Juventus shot-stopper was a spectator for the majority of the game, as the visitors hardly looked threatening up front. He didn’t have much to do but was quick off his line on two occasions to gather the ball ahead of the Cagliari attackers.
Juan Cuadrado – 8.5/10
Juan Cuadrado had an impressive outing as for the Bianconeri. The Colombian started as a right wing-back and was a menace every time he went up front. Cuadrado created six chances and won seven duels on the night. The versatile defender also regained possession eight times, won three tackles and made three interceptions.
Merih Demiral – 8/10
Merih Demiral had a solid game and dealt with any potential danger with ease. The towering Turk also showed his ability in the opposition penalty area, as he set up Ronaldo for his second goal of the night and hit the woodwork once. He won six duels, created three chances and made four recoveries.
Matthijs de Ligt – 7.5/10
Matthijs de Ligt was rock solid at the back for Juventus. Alongside Demiral, he managed to deal with everything that was thrown at him. The Dutchman won five duels and two tackles in what was an assured performance. De Ligt was also responsible for six recoveries and three clearances.
Danilo – 7/10
Danilo started at the left side of the defense and bombed down the pitch quite a few times to ping in crosses. Although the Brazilian was caught out of position a handful of times, he made up for it with his attacking prowess.
Dejan Kulsevski – 6/10
Starting on the right, Kulusevski had a few bright moments, as he engaged with the visitors’ back-line throughout. The Swedish international linked well with Arthur and Adrien Rabiot and tried to create chances for Morata and Ronaldo. Kulusevski won five duels and two tackles, while he was also responsible for making four recoveries and creating three chances.
Arthur – 7.5/10
Arthur was in complete control of proceedings in central midfield. The former Barcelona star orchestrated play for the hosts and enjoyed his best game in a Juventus shirt. His distribution in the center of the park was impeccable, as he completed more passes (96) than any other player on the pitch. Moreover, he also made 11 recoveries for his side.
Adrien Rabiot – 7/10
Rabiot enjoyed a great game as he controlled the tempo of the game alongside Arthur. The Frenchman did all the dirty work and went for every loose ball in the center of the park. Rabiot won six duels on the night and is quietly becoming a key player for Andrea Pirlo.
Federico Bernadeschi – 8.5/10
Berna lit up the left flank with his performance, as he linked up well with Danilo, Arthur and Ronaldo on the night. He toyed with Cagliari’s defenders and he was too hot for them to handle. The Italian won seven duels and two tackles, while he also completed five dribbles and made four recoveries.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 9/10
Ronaldo showed up for Juventus yet again, as he scored a brace to secure all the three points for his side.
The Portuguese star scored twice in the span of five first half minutes to wrap the game up for his side. He created three chances, won five duels and made two recoveries. MOTM
Alvaro Morata – 7.5/10
Alvaro Morata and Ronaldo formed a formidable duo up front. The Spaniard set up Ronaldo’s first of the night and was a constant threat high up the pitch, as he kept the Cagliari defenders on their toes throughout the game.
Substitutes
Weston McKennie – 6/10
Weston McKennie came on for Rabiot for the last 20 minutes and did not have much to do, as Juventus were leading comfortably. Helped the Bianconeri see off the game.
Paulo Dybala – 6.5/10
Paulo Dybala’s introduction saw Juventus shift gears, as he looked eager to prove a point. The Argentine was a threat every time he had the ball at his feet and tried his best to make things happen. Lively cameo from the gifted attacker.
Rodrigo Bentancur – N/A
Federico Chiesa – N/A
Alex Sandro – N/A
