Ronaldo’s Hattrick Stuns Juventus in Champions League ClashRonaldo’s Hattrick Stuns Juventus in Champions League Clash Cristiano Ronaldo produced a stunning hat-trick as Manchester United dealt a blow to Juventus’ hopes of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals with a thrilling 3-2 win in Turin. The Portuguese forward struck twice in the first half and added another in the second period to give the visitors a commanding advantage heading into the second leg. Juventus, who trailed 1-0 from the first leg at Old Trafford, started well and could have taken an early lead through Dusan Vlahovic. However, the Serbian forward’s header was well saved by David de Gea. United grew into the game and took the lead on 24 minutes when Ronaldo expertly controlled a cross from Jadon Sancho and fired past Wojciech Szczesny. The visitors doubled their advantage just after the half-hour mark when Ronaldo latched onto Bruno Fernandes’ through ball and slotted home with aplomb. Juventus pulled one back before the break through Álvaro Morata, who tapped in from close range after Vlahovic’s effort had been parried by De Gea. United looked comfortable after the interval but were stunned when Vlahovic equalized with a powerful header on 67 minutes. However, Ronaldo had the final say, completing his hat-trick with a clinical finish into the bottom corner in the 81st minute. The win gives United a significant advantage heading into the second leg in Manchester next week. Juventus will need to score at least two goals and keep a clean sheet to progress. Ronaldo’s performance was hailed by United manager Ralf Rangnick, who said: “It was a world-class performance from him. He showed why he is one of the best players in the world.” Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri admitted his team had been “punished” by Ronaldo’s brilliance. “We knew he was a danger, but we couldn’t stop him tonight,” said Allegri. “We have to regroup and try to turn it around in the second leg.”
