Ronaldo helps Juve sink Man Utd as Real Madrid win but fail to convince

Paris (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to Old Trafford with a victory as Juventus beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday, while under-pressure Real Madrid got back to winning ways.

Julen Lopetegui’s days as Madrid coach still look numbered despite seeing the reigning European champions beat Viktoria Plzen on a night in which both Bayern Munich and Manchester City won on the road.

It is just one win in seven matches now for Jose Mourinho’s United after they went down to defeat against an accomplished Juventus, who were worthy victors.

After facing uncomfortable questions on the eve of the game over rape allegations made against him in the United States, Ronaldo played his part on the field for Juve back at the ground where he was once idolised.

He played a key role in the winner as it was his cross, aimed at Juan Cuadrado, which ended up falling for Paulo Dybala to tuck home in the 17th minute.

Ronaldo also forced a superb save from David de Gea, while Paul Pogba struck the post for United, who drew another blank at home in Europe after a 0-0 draw with Valencia three weeks ago.

Juventus have maximum points after three games in Group H, and host Mourinho’s side in Turin next.

“Juventus is a different level of quality, I have to be honest. A level of quality, stability, experience, know-how,” Mourinho conceded.

“I have no complaints with my boys. I have a positive feeling for their effort.”

The good news for United is that they remain second in the group after Valencia were held to a 1-1 draw by Young Boys in Switzerland.

Michy Batshuayi put the Spaniards ahead, but Guillaume Hoarau’s second-half penalty gave Young Boys their first point.

– Lopetegui still fragile –

Lopetegui’s position in charge of Real remains fragile despite his side claiming a first win in six games by beating Viktoria Plzen 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Karim Benzema headed Madrid ahead early on, and Marcelo later doubled their lead before Patrik Hrosovsky scored for the Czech champions to set up a nervy finale.

Reports suggest Lopetegui may still not survive in the job until Sunday’s Clasico against Barcelona, but the result did at least keep Real level with Roma atop Group G.

“I am convinced I will be,” said Lopetegui when asked if he believed he would still be in charge against Barcelona.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2JcEPqJ