Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo scores perfect first-half hat-trick for Juventus
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a perfect first-half hat-trick as Juventus beat Cagliari in Serie A.
Ronaldo had faced criticism following Juve’s dramatic Champions League exit to Porto during midweek, especially as Porto’s crucial goal came from a free-kick that had travelled through his legs on the way in.
But you can’t keep one of the all-time great footballers down for long and he took out his frustrations on lowly Cagliari.
The first goal came after only 10 minutes, as the Portugal captain powered home a trademark header.
He was only just getting started. His next effort was a right-footed penalty after being fouled by goalkeeper Alessandro Cragno.
The Juventus talisman secured his hat-trick just after the half-hour. A sweeping counter-attack, led by Federico Chiesa, left Cagliari flat-footed and the ball found its way to a lurking Ronaldo on the edge of the penalty area.
The 36-year-old proceeded to cut inside onto his left foot and fire the ball past Cragno.
Ronaldo celebrated by holding his finger to his ear in a pointed gesture towards his critics.
Cristiano Ronaldo powers in a header from the corner! 💥
A trademark leap and an emphatic finish to give Juve the lead ⚫⚪ pic.twitter.com/kzC8CXV5rX
— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) March 14, 2021
That's a first half HAT-TRICK for Cristiano Ronaldo! 🎩
Looks like he's heard the criticism since Juve's shock Champions League exit 👂 pic.twitter.com/oMvvnmtLki
— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) March 14, 2021
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